Tuesday, August 1, 2023

 

Memorial of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Exodus 33:7-11,34:5b-9.28; Matthew 13:36-43)

In today’s first reading God gives an extraordinary and paradoxical self-disclosure.  The Almighty and Eternal says that He is both wonderfully kind and exceedingly strict.  How should this seeming contrast be understood?

Jesus provides the full revelation of God in a similar way.  He speaks of God as a Father always willing to assist a son or daughter.  But Jesus does not refrain from saying that God will punish evil people for their misdeeds.  The key to understanding God seems to be repentance.  God bestows only good things on His people.  If they show ingratitude or rebellion, He will take offense and prepare to punish them.  But if they seek forgiveness, they can count on His mercy.

We may have difficulty repenting.  It not only takes humility to say, “I am sorry”.  It also takes a strong will to change from pursuing one’s desire to doing what is right.  However, if we are so willing, we can count on the Lord for help.

Monday, July 31, 2023

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest

(Exodus 32:15-24.30-34; Matthew 13:31-35)

St. Ignatius along with six companions found the religious order known as the “Society of Jesus” or “Jesuits.” They were to defend the pope, to evangelize, and to teach.  Their growth was remarkable.  By the time of Ignatius’ death, there were more than a thousand Jesuits.  Today it is the religious congregation with the greatest number of members, about 14,000.

Jesus’ two parables in today’s gospel can be used to illustrate the expansion of the Jesuits.  Like a small mustard seed, they started with only a handful of men.  But after a generation they brought millions of people the joy of the gospel.  Especially through their schools and universities the Jesuits have acted like yeast in a mass of flour.  They have taught millions of people how to live as studied adherents to the faith.

Today more than ever we need to emulate St. Ignatius.  With a firm disposition, he was able to encourage others to believe.  A person of renowned holiness, he did not dither in niceties but practiced the Catholic tradition completely.

Sunday, July 30, 2023

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(I Kings 3:5-13; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-46)

It is often said that Saint Paul has had more impact on Christianity than anyone else except Jesus. One scholar has written that his Letter to the Romans "has affected theology more than any other book in the New Testament." We have been reading from this letter since the Sunday after Corpus Christi and we will continue through Advent. It is worthwhile to devote at least one homily to this masterpiece.

The Letter to the Romans is probably the last document written by Paul that we have. It was written in Corinth about seven years before his death. Paul had preached to the Greeks in the eastern part of the Mediterranean with great success. He then he considered a missionary trip to the West. He wrote the letter to introduce himself to the Christians in Rome. Once there he could ask them for support for his new project. He probably wanted to impress the Romans with his balanced understanding of the faith.

The letter begins with the recognition that Jews as well as pagans have gone astray. Pagans have not come to the knowledge of God despite natural revelation. That is, they have not been able to deduce from the wonder and beauty of nature that there is a single God who created the universe. In addition, they have fallen into ruinous crimes by submitting to their passionate desires. The Jews have had the advantage of knowing God's will through the Law. However, instead of allowing Him to make them holy, they have reduced the law to external practices and rites. Both peoples, it says, deserve death.

However, the letter sees God offering them the opportunity for justification. It says that He sent his Son Jesus Christ so that those who have faith in him and are baptized would live. Justification is liberation from the sinful situation, be it disordered passions or the law that condemns. The justified receive the Spirit of Jesus in Baptism who directs their lives. This Spirit enables them to call God "Abba" or "Father" and love him as such.

In the brief passage from the letter that we read today, Paul assures that everything contributes to the good of those who love God. It's not just by chance or because God is almighty that they do not have to worry. No, things will work out because God has had a plan from the beginning. He has predestined some to bear the image of his Son. Similar to Jesus, they practice love for God and neighbor. To these God will give the glory that Christ received with his resurrection from the dead.

Manifestations of God's plan can be seen in the lives of the saints. Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a soldier who probably thought a lot about fame and fortune -- the glory of the world. When he was injured, he had an opportunity to reflect at length on Christ. He then decided to conform his life to Christ’s. As a result, he not only founded the Society of Jesus but also has left a spirituality practiced throughout the world. Once, when the success of his aspirations was uncertain, Ignatius heard the voice of the Lord. As Paul assures that everything will work out well for those who love God, the voice told Ignatius: "I will be favorable to you in Rome."

Any difficulties we face should not unduly upset us. Conformed to Christ, we will be fine.

Friday, July 28, 2023

Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 13:18-23)

Secularists go too far when they argue that the Ten Commandments are a religious code with no place in a civil court. Of course, they are found in the Bible, precisely in the Book of Exodus which is read today.  But they form the basis of the natural law which binds everyone. 

Some may argue that the first three commandments are blatantly religious as they pertain to God.  But a satisfactory case may be made that they are not religious in nature.  Indeed, they only give words to concerns of justice.  Regarding the First Commandment, it is reasonable that God, a Creator, exists and as such should be recognized.  This is not necessarily the loving God of faith.  Regarding the Second, the command prohibits the use of God’s name as a testimony to a false statement.  In other words, people should not try to make a falsehood true by invoking God as their witness.  The Third Commandment recognizes the body’s as well as the soul’s need for rest at least one day a week.  Muslims take their rest on Friday; Jews, on Saturday, and Christians, on Sunday.  All comply with this mandate.

We may have heard the statement, “Love and do what you will.” If we always knew how to love truly, we could agree.  But as fallible as humans are, we need the Ten Commandments so that our love may be on the mark.

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 19:1-2.9-11.16-20b); Matthew 13:10-17)

To begin to appreciate God, one must recognize his awesomeness. He is more powerful than anyone or anything humans can imagine.  The Book of Exodus indicates God’s awesomeness by prescribing a two-day purification before meeting with Him.  The cleansing serves more to remind them of their moral failure than to remove any physical impurity.

Awesomeness also marks God’s meeting His people.  It takes the shape of a mountain volcano about to explode.  The people tremble as if they surely will die.  They realize that whatever God has to say must be given all seriousness.

How can God’s awesomeness be reconciled with our experience of God in Jesus Christ?  He came to us as a teacher using familiar stories.  He is present to us today under the presence of bread and wine.  The humbleness of Jesus only disguises his power.  His self-sacrifice has brought about the defeat of the reign of sin and death.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary     

(Exodus 16:1-5.9-15; Matthew 13:10-17)

A senior citizen tries to pass on the Catholic faith to his adolescent grandson.  Whenever the youth spends a weekend with him, he invariably takes him to Sunday mass.  The youth tells him that he enjoys the experience.  However, he has yet to ask if he might join the Church.  Today as we honor Saints Anne and Joachim, the parents of Mary and thus the grandparents of Jesus, we may speculate on their contribution to Jesus’ faith commitment.  

 It may be presumed that Anne and Joachim raised Mary as a devout Jew.  They taught her how to wait upon the Lord and instructed her not to follow the winds of the time.  They reminded Mary of how God loves His people and will aid them in distress.  Mary, in turn, passed on these instructions to Jesus who more than anyone else knew of God’s love. 

Catholic grandparents today often have to teach their grandchildren the rudiments faith.  Their own children have often been alienated from God and the Church. This second generation understands religion as rites marking the passage of time and rules dictating how one should live.  Where this is the case, grandparents need to convey the truth of our faith.  They must tell their children how faith is the key to life.  It assures us of the Creator’s love and enlightens us of His will.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Feast if Saint James, apostle

(II Corinthians 4:7-17; Matthew 20:20-28)

The request for positions on Jesus’ right and left and the indignation of the others reflect immature thinking.  No doubt the disciples realize that some sacrifice is required of apostles.  But they hardly can know of the peril of preaching Jesus Christ in a world partly set against him.

St. Paul in the first reading suffers no illusions.  He has been on the road preaching for years and bears bruises on his body for it.  James, the elder of Zebedee’s sons, will learn before too long what Paul writes of.  He will be the first apostle to be martyred.  It will be a state killing as Herod Agrippa orders his murder for unspecified reasons (see Acts 12:1-3).

It would have been wonderful to have walked with Jesus.  After all, he not only had the words of eternal life, but was eternal life.  But let us not suffer any illusion that it was an easy thing to do, day after day and week after week.  We should experience some of the happiness and some of the challenge as we receive him in the Eucharist and live his teaching.

Monday, July 24, 2023

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 14:5-18; Matthew 12:38-42)

It is said that the command, “Fear not,” appears 365 times in the Bible.  That is one time for every day of the year.  Jesus frequently uses the term, but in today’s first reading Moses says it to the Israelites.  The Israelites need not fear because God has taken up their cause.

At this point in their formation the Israelites have not known the Lord very long.  True, they witnessed the ten plagues that freed them from Pharoah’s clutch.  But they also saw how Egyptian magicians duplicated some of these wonders.  To convince them of both his power and his love, God will soon destroy the mighty Egyptian army. 

We need not fear as well although it is wise to fear God when we are young.  Rather than fear we should stay close to God in prayer.  There nothing can harm us.

Sunday, July 23, 2023

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, JULY 23, 2023

(Wisdom 12:13.16-19; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43)

The gospel today deals with a challenging issue for Christians. In it Jesus explains how God tolerates evil. His teaching will be in the form of a parable. This is not surprising since we find Jesus in the middle of his parabolic discourse.  Although they are not full explanations, parables facilitate understanding of hard topics.

In the part of the speech today Jesus gives three parables. Each one describes "the Kingdom of heaven." It can be said that this very phrase is a type of parable. Instead of saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed…”, he could have said: “God may be likened to a man …” Like the Jews in general, Jesus enjoys using poetic comparisons. For this reason also he describes “the Kingdom of heaven” as like “a mustard seed” and like “yeast”.

Let me make a brief digression to explain the "problem of evil" that Jesus will illuminate with his parable. In a famous novel a man speaks about his rejection of God. He says that he cannot accept a God who allows innocent children to suffer. He then describes a case that the novelist took from the newspaper of the time. A five-year-old girl was tortured by her parents. They beat her, kicked her, locked her in an outhouse on a winter night, and did even worse. Such abuses still occur frequently worldwide. We have to ask, “How can God allow such things?

In the parable of the wheat and the tares, Jesus assures us that God's intention is not to cause injury. The sower sows only "good seed." He also says that the forces of evil, an "enemy", are free to cause harm as with the weeds sown among the wheat. He then adds that the sower does not want to eradicate the tares because he knows that he will ruin some wheat in the process.

“Is this explanation alone valid as a justification for the suffering of children?” Maybe not! For this reason Jesus adds the other parables. In the beginning, God appears among men and women as a small thing. He is within the gentle breeze in the story of the prophet Elijah and like the mustard seed in the parable here. However, over time He seems to grow to provide relief to many in need. One can see this parable being realized in the many orphanages, schools, and hospitals established for the love of God. In the following parable Jesus says that God works mysteriously and silently among human beings.  His work is likened to a woman who mixes a handful of yeast into three measures of flour. The result is enough bread to feed a platoon of soldiers. In other words, although evil continues in the world, God is always countering it with more goodness.

Perhaps we are left with some concern. Some suffer tremendously while others only a little. "Why" -- we want to ask God -- "do you allow all these atrocities?" Let us turn to the second reading of the Letter to the Romans for the answer. St. Paul perceives God himself, the Holy Spirit, praying within us "with groans that cannot be expressed in words." This is to say that God provides us His own Spirit so that our hope does not falter.  The same Spirit will move us to join the struggle against evil.

These parables that illuminate the problem of evil do not say much compared to Jesus crucified. How can we question the goodness of God as we look at his Son hanging on the cross? Jesus did nothing to deserve this extremely torturous death. He endured it to free us from the punishment for our sins. Linked to the resurrection, the crucifixion of Jesus assures us of God's love. He frees us from sin and provides us with a destiny of glory.

Friday, July 21, 2023

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 (Exodus 11:10-12:14; Matthew12:1-8)

We cannot sufficiently appreciate Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address unless we consider its context.  Lincoln gave the speech just a few months after the famous Battle of Gettysburg.  It was the deadliest battle of the Civil War and had no clear victor.  But it did mark a turning of the tide.  Lee’s Army of Virginia was forced to retreat.  The Confederacy was on the defensive.  It was mostly a matter of time before it surrendered.  Lincoln used his opportunity to speak on the bloody battlefield to describe what the war meant – a sacrifice whose purpose was no less than the second founding of the American nation.  This time, however, the Union would be true to its first principle that all men and women are created equal. 

In order to appreciate the gift of the Eucharist we likewise need to understand its context.  Jesus instituted it while following the ancient tradition of a Passover supper, described in the first reading.  At the original Passover, taken in Egypt where the Hebrews were treated as slaves, each Hebrew household ate a roasted lamb, the blood of which was spread over the household’s portals.  This blood was understood as the cause of the Angel of Death´s passing over their dwellings while decimating their Egyptian masters. 

During the Passover meal he celebrated with his friends, Jesus pronounced a new meaning to the feast.  It would mark his death and resurrection.  He was the lamb that was to be slain the next day at his crucifixion.  His blood would also have a saving effect.  Christians do not dismiss the Jewish Passover today as somehow negligible compared to Christ’s.  Indeed, we are grateful for it as the key to understanding Christ’s death and resurrection.  It marks our passing over from the slavery of sin to freedom in Christ’s Spirit and from subjugation to death to the hope of everlasting life.

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 3:13-20; Matthew 11:28-30)

Many stories involve journeys. The Odyssey is probably the most famous.  But one can readily add Don Quixote and The Canterbury Tales.  In all these journeys transformations takes place.  Characters become wiser or holier as they interact with one another.  Jesus has in mind such a transition in today’s gospel as he bids people to journey with him.

Yokes join animals so that they might pull a load together.  In the gospel Jesus offers anyone interested to share his yoke. Journeying with him, one will reach life’s fulfillment.  Takers cannot expect leisure.  But they will find happiness as He forms them in his way of love. 

Sharing Jesus’ yoke involves continual recourse to him in prayer while serving others.  It may sound like a lonely road, but there are plenty of positive examples.  Look at the Missionaries of Charity, the sisters of Mother St. Teresa of Kolkata.  Their lives are as rigorous as an army recruit’s.  Yet they radiate joy. 

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 3:1-6.9-12; Matthew 11:25-27)

In the first reading God tells Moses, “Come no nearer…the place where you stand is holy ground.”  Where Jesus stands in today’s gospel is also “holy ground.” Yet he invites the poor and oppressed to join him.  He wants these chosen people to know the “rest” that the Son shares with the Father.

Their rest is not merely an afternoon nap that energizes one to finish the day.  It is, rather, the relationship of love in which the Father gives over everything to the Son, the Son receives it and then gives it back to Father.  Such a mutually fulfilling exchange produces rest, peace, and joy.  It belies the wisdom of the world where people are told not to give but to take as much as they can.  Such a mindset supposedly makes one happy but actually ends in distress.

Imbued as we are in a market culture, we have difficulty accepting Jesus’ invitation.  We come to think of ourselves as “accomplished” when we own a big home and car.  We must recognize that our richest possession is the love of God that we cannot earn.  It is given to us as we die and rise with Christ in Baptism.

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:202-24)

Ask anyone what was Jesus’ “own town.” They will likely answer “Nazareth.”  It is true that Jesus grew up in Nazareth according to the Gospel of Luke.  However, Matthew’s gospel calls Capernaum his town (9:1).  Evidently, he made the seaside town the base of his preaching mission.

Although he worked many wonders there, the people of Capernaum did not heed his message.  In today’s gospel, Jesus decries this development.  He actually predicts what eventually takes place.  Instead of Capernaum becoming famous, it is relatively unknown compared to Nazareth or Bethlehem.  But obscurity is not Capernaum’s ultimate fate, according to Jesus.  It still must face a judgment more severe than that of Sodom.

We may not have seen many miracles in our lifetimes.  But we have likely seen blessings bestowed on us and others more than deserved.  Yet too often, like the people of Capernaum, we neglect to give God due thanks and praise.  If this is true, let us change our ways to give God glory every day.

Monday, July 17, 2023

Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 1:8-14.22; Matthew 10:34-11:1

People have difficulty appreciating today’s first reading.  They often do not realize how oppressed are the Israelites in Egypt.  The “chosen people” have lived among the Egyptians for hundreds of years.  Working as laborers, they have not had leisure time to develop their culture.  Very likely, they have assimilated Egyptian customs to the extent of losing touch with the God of Abraham.  They see Pharaoh as a kind of God. Like primitive peoples they will attribute divine attributes to the sun.

But God has not forgotten the Israelites.  He is about to act so that they may attain a degree of holiness.  It will provide formation for His Son to become humanity’s liberator from sin and death.  Now God will call a preliminary leader for the Israelites, free them from slavery, and form them into a people “peculiarly His own.”  The road ahead is long and torturous.  But followed intentionally, it will lead the Israelites to partial freedom.

We are aware that slavery exists today.  Millions cannot escape their sexual overseers.  Many more have analogously enslaved themselves to pornography.  It is largely men who look at the rot.  But women now are allowing themselves to enter the industry which severely compromises their whole lives.  We must ask God’s help in overcoming this very real threat to human freedom.

Sunday, July 16, 2023

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, July 16, 2023

(Isaiah 55:10-11; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23)

The gospel today presents us with one of the best-known parables, the Sower and the Seed. However, it is not well understood, at least in the way that the Gospel according to Saint Matthew has it. To understand what is taking place, you have to take into account another parable. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells his disciples, “’do not cast your pearls before swine”. That is, they must not reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those who would mock them. In the Gospel of Matthew avoiding this abuse is why Jesus speaks in parables.

We meet Jesus preparing to preach. Many come to hear him. Among them are people with the intention of learning from Jesus and also people who despise him. The evil-intentioned are like today's internet trolls who follow social media to make offensive posts. They see Jesus with envy because he is very popular among the people. The well-intentioned, by contrast, see Jesus as the word of God that comes from heaven in the first reading. What Saint Paul says in the second reading can be applied to them. They have the first fruits of the Holy Spirit and groan inwardly to know the whole truth.

“…a sower went out to sow…” Jesus is comparing his preaching of the Kingdom of God with the farmer sowing seeds. Having heard this parable many times, we know that it has to do with the kind of listening that different people give to his word. But Jesus' disciples have a hard time understanding its meaning. Therefore, his disciples approach Jesus with the question: “'Why do you speak in parables?'” The disciples hear the parables as riddles, not illustrative descriptions of the Kingdom. Then Jesus explains his purpose with reference to the prophet Isaiah. People have already closed their hearts to repentance. It's not worth trying to teach them. It is like “casting pearls before swine”. We might say, "It's like spitting in the wind."

Let's hope we're not so closed-minded. We have to examine our disposition towards Jesus with the categories that he proposes here. Are we like the terrain of the road that resists the penetration of the word of God? He has in mind hardened criminals like child-traffickers. If we are like this, we will easily be led astray by the devil. Perhaps we are like rocky ground that does not support the plant taking root. Many who attend the Cursillo or the Road to Emmaus leave the experience very excited, but soon lose their fervor. If it is the same in our case, with some probability we will stop following Jesus the first time he presents us with a difficulty. Or it is possible that we are like land full of thorns, that is having other interests such as money and pleasure competing with the desire to follow Christ. If we are like this, maybe in a short time we will lose interest in practicing our faith. Or are we like “rich soil” that nurtures growth as we expend efforts to follow the ways of the Lord? If this is so, we will produce much fruit of goodness and peace.

We must ask, why does Jesus want to hide the revelation of the Kingdom from the wicked? Doesn't he want them to be saved? Yes, Jesus desires the salvation of all. He came as a simple man to identify himself with everyone. But he is not going to force his will on anyone. The person has to be open to his call for repentance. Jesus is not naive. He knows how to distinguish sinners whose hearts can be reformed from the corrupt who will resist repentance at every turn. He attracts the first group with parables. To the second, as well as to the first, he will give his life on the cross as a living parable. If the sight of him innocently enduring perhaps the cruelest punishment in history doesn't convince them, nothing will.

We don't care that Jesus lived two thousand years ago or that some of his followers have fallen into great sin. We just want his word to grow on the fertile ground we have prepared and to bear abundant fruit.

Friday., July 14, 2023

Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin

(Genesis 46:1-7.28-20; Matthew 10:16-23)

Today’s gospel presents part of Jesus’ “apostolic discourse.” He is giving instructions to his disciples as he sends them out to preach the Kingdom of God.  The dire circumstances of family members being mortally at odds with one another because of Jesus did not occur in his lifetime.  However, it was certainly part of the religiously charged atmosphere of Matthew’s time.

To “be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” the apostles would have to always tell the truth but say very little.  It is wrong to lie, to say something that is false with the intention to deceive.  Moralists argue about the need to tell the truth in situations where what one says may result in grave harm.  For Thomas Aquinas and equally for Immanuel Kant telling the truth is of the highest order of obligation and should never be violated.  But one does not necessarily have to say anything and should accept punishment if the spoken truth would cause harm.

Such dire situations are rare, and we pray in the Our Father to deliver us from such trials.  Yet all of us have experiences where the truth is inconvenient.  We might prepare ourselves morally and spiritually to speak it at those times. 

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 44:18-21.23b-29.45:1-5; Matthew 10:7-15)

In the Our Father one makes a hefty promise.  Praying, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us,” commits the person to forgive when she or he has been offended. When one is injured or has his or her heart broken, forgiveness is as difficult as donating a kidney.  Nevertheless, Joseph is able to forgive his offenders without even knowing the Lord’s Prayer.

Joseph shows great faith as he not only forgives, but also finds the Lord’s hand in his trials.  For his belief, he is twice blessed.  Not only has he thrived in Egypt, but he will see his beloved father and brother again.  Under the tutelage of the Spirit, Joseph understands his receiving God’s favor as an opportunity to help others.

We may pray the Our Father ten times a day without taking the words to heart. When we live out those words, however, we will not be disillusioned.  God will bless us like Joseph and give us opportunities to help others.

 

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 41:55-57.42:5-7a.17-24a; Matthew 10:1-7)

 “Food security” has been defined as all people having access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.  It is a modern idea but an ancient problem.  In today’s first reading food insecurity brings Joseph’s brothers to Egypt.  Experiencing famine in their native land, they turn to the region’s giant producer.

Today agricultural science has kept the supply of food well ahead of population growth.  Still populations can go hungry because of a disruption of food supplies.  Wars and despotic governments may cause a lack of access to food and resulting famine.  These conditions testify that the good news of God’s kingdom has not been heeded.  In the gospel Jesus sends out twelve chosen disciples to preach that message.

When we embrace God’s kingdom, we no longer worry about food.  We understand that God will provide all that we need for happiness.  God’s Kingdom summons us to assist one another – family, first, but never exclusively.  God, the King, invites us to assist Him in relieving the burdens of the needy.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot

(Genesis 32:23-33; Matthew 9: 32-38)

A new television series, “Mrs. Davis,” is bringing public attention to the possibility of artificial intelligence controlling human behavior.  Artificial intelligence can use algorithms, complex sets of reactions to human actions, to manipulate people.  Its potential for success is immense given the extensive fascination with the Internet.  The protagonist of “Mrs. Davis” tries to evade the reach of the powerful algorithm but becomes enmeshed in it.  She will have to fight it to ward off its control of her.

We might see in “Mrs. Davis” what today’s feast and this mass’ first reading convey.  St. Benedict evaded the evil influences of city life by retreating to the country.  There he lived a sane, wholesome life with like-minded men.  An alternative to the monastery is to battle night and day with urban evil – something like Jacob in his struggle against his intruder.

All of us should be aware that artificial intelligence can deeply influence our lives in undesirable ways.  We need to maintain some distance from computers and telephones to prevent that from happening.  We should also come closer to the Lord whom we meet in prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments.  He will lead us to the happiness that we seek in life.

Monday, July 10, 2023

Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 28:10-22a; Matthew 9:18-26)

Although he does not know it, Jacob has come across a shrine.  It is a holy place sanctified by the prayers of many others on that spot.  The Lord is there ready to hear the request of this unwitting pilgrim.

Jacob has sneakily taken his brother’s birthright.  That is, he is to be, like Isaac and Abraham, the “father of many nations.”  Now he must escape Esau’s wrath and then establish himself with a wife and children.  God does not hold Jacob in contempt for his trickery.  Rather he has chosen Jacob, perhaps for his cleverness, to extend the heritage that will end in the birth of His own Son Jesus, the Christ.

Shrines are found in most cities with a Catholic heritage today.  They are places for us to ask the Lord for assistance.  There we are likely to find other good people whose faith helps us trust in God’s enduring love.

Sunday, July 9, 2023

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, July 9, 2023

(Zechariah 9:9-10; Romans 8:9.11-13; Matthew 11:25-30)

The gospel today contains one of the most famous passages in the Gospel of Saint Matthew. When Jesus says, "'No one knows the Father except the Son...'" he is speaking of an intimacy that is not seen in Mark and Luke. We have to examine the entire passage more closely to appreciate its great value.

Jesus is thanking God the Father as if everything is going well for him. In reality, however, his ministry has stagnated. In the passage before this Jesus condemns the cities of Corazín, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for having rejected him. Except for some “little ones”, the people have not accepted his call to repent. The little ones are the same whom we have met in the gospel last Sunday. They seek to carry out the will of God. They are people like our grandmothers who prayed for us every day and if they found a few extra pennies in their handbag, they gave them to us to buy a chocolate on the way to school.

Simple people live according to the Spirit of Christ as Saint Paul says in the second reading. They do not live according to the flesh” that characterizes many in the world. Politicians today often describe themselves as the people's saviors while cursing their adversaries as liars and scoundrels. In the words of Jesus they want to be seen on the street giving nickels and dimes to the poor when they only have their own interests in mind.

We see in Jesus true humility. In this gospel he boasts neither of his intelligence nor of his achievements. Rather, he says everything he has comes from the Father. It is true that he says that only he knows the Father. However, he adds that he wants to reveal Him to others.

Then Jesus issues his great invitation to all who feel "labor and our burdened." He especially considers those who feel troubled by the 613 Covenant laws that they don't even quite understand. However, we can include as “burdened” those young people who feel disillusioned by the “hook-up” culture where another sexual partner is sought out every night. We can also add to those who labor adults who have grown tired of the constant pursuit of fortune and fame.

To all these Jesus wants to unite under his yoke. This yoke does not overwhelm them because he is by their side to help. Father Emil Kapaun, an American army chaplain, represented this kind of help to the troops in Korea. For everyone, both Jews and Protestants as well as Catholics, he was "Father" because he instilled respect with his words of strength and hope. Captured by the Chinese, Father Kapaun searched for food for the sick and picked lice from the weakest so they wouldn't die. Eventually he himself died as Christ sacrificing his own life for the good of others. He shared the small ration his captors gave him with other prisoners so that in time he ran out of energy. Then he was infected with dysentery that brought about his death.

Jesus leads us to salvation through good people like Father Kapaun and by his inspiring wisdom. Above all, he saves us through the sacraments that unite us with him. We never want to reject him for fear that he will ask for what we don't want to give. Any sacrifice he demands only makes us more loving like him.

Friday, July 7, 2023

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 23:1-4.19.24:1-8.62-67; Matthew 9:9-13)

Today’s gospel tells the story of the call of Matthew.  The scene has been portrayed by the great sixteenth century painter Caravaggio.  His painting features Jesus’ hand pointing at Matthew in the same position as God’s in creating Adam in Michelangelo’s mural of the Sistine Chapel.  

By mimicking the hand’s position, Caravaggio did not mean to ridicule his famous predecessor.  Far from that, he wanted to show how Jesus calling the publican Matthew represented a new creation.  He is going to form this businessman and likely crook into an apostle.  Matthew will no longer be making money but disciples.  He will be telling the world of God’s love in Jesus Christ.

We should see Jesus pointing his hand at us as well.  He is calling us from our egocentrism into a manifest love of God and neighbor.  Self-absorption is often a hard shell to crack, but it is worth the effort.  Feeling the love of God and bringing this love to others, we have a foretaste of our heavenly home.

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 22:1b-19; Matthew 9:1-8)

 In the Shrine of St. Martin de Porres in Puerto Rico a compelling mural covers the back wall.  The mural portrays in abstract style the story related in today’s first reading. It features the angel and Abraham who is about to kill his son Isaac.  One hand of the angel points upward signaling a message from God and the other is raised palm up hand telling Abraham to stop.  The mural is said to symbolize the sacrifice of the Mass.

Thomas Aquinas calls Isaac a “type of Christ.” As Isaac was to be sacrificed to demonstrate Abraham’s faith in God, God himself allowed his own Son to be sacrificed to atone for the sins of the world.  His sacrifice on the cross was anticipated and prefigured at the meal Jesus shared with his disciples the night before he died.  It was God’s way of showing solidarity with humanity that became hopelessly lost because of sin.

The idea of God ordering a father to kill his son disturbs many people.  “Is not God violating His own natural law?” they ask.  But God did not allow the sacrifice of Isaac to take place.  God was acting as a judge testing Abraham’s fidelity, not as a tyrant seeking blood.  God loves His Son infinitely more than Abraham can love Isaac.  He loves all of us like He loves Christ.  For this reason He sent Christ to the world to die for our salvation.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 21:5-8-20a; Matthew 8:28-34)

Yesterday’s gospel passage ended with Jesus’ disciples asking, “’What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?’"  Today’s passage provides at least a partial answer.  Jesus is a man with divine authority.  Not only do the elements obey him; evil spirits snap to his command.  Jesus only has to say one word (in the original Greek) “’Go,’” to send the demons away from the possessed.

Jesus’ divine authority begs a question, however.  If he can so easily discharge evil spirits, why does he not just say once and for all, “Devils be gone”?  Would not the world then be free of evil?  This might be the case if humans did not call evil spirits back into their lives.  As it is, however, free will, which lies at the base of human freedom, revolts against the serenity of doing God’s will.

We can say that living in the world we are constantly tempted to reject the good.  This situation may sound more dire than it is.  We can tame the surliness of our will by constantly following the Lord’s directives.  The more we do so, the more we grow in true freedom.; that is, freedom from inner compulsions which hinder our following the natural inclination to happiness.  And the more true freedom we have, the more peaceful our world becomes.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 19:15-29; Matthew 8:23-27)

Today the United States celebrates its independence from England.  Almost two and a half centuries ago fifty-six men from thirteen North American colonies signed a document listing the new country’s grievances against England.  The Declaration of Independence also stated three basic rights as its founding principles: “…Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

These principles conform to our beliefs as Catholic Christians.  We hold the right to life for every human being, from the newly conceived to the feeblest aged.  We believe in a full range of liberty, not just from external restraints but also from inner addictions like pornography.  Finally, we hope that everyone pursues true happiness which is only attainable by following the ways of the Lord.

Of course, we know that not everyone interprets the three principles in the same way.  We believe, however, that pursuing life, liberty, and happiness according to the Catholic tradition will create social harmony.  It will allow the country to celebrate its independence long into the future.

Monday, July 3, 2023

Feast of Saint Thomas, apostle

(Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29)

In John’s gospel Jesus comes as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John the Baptist proclaimed this truth at the beginning of the gospel.  After Jesus’ crucifixion his disciples have difficulty believing it.  Then Jesus appears.  Seeing him, the disciples can believe that Jesus is God’s agent who has brought salvation to the world.

Not part of the original group who see the resurrected Jesus, Thomas‘ experience is actually not different from theirs.  He too sees before believing.  Then he expresses a fuller faith.  Jesus is not only God’s agent who redeemed humankind.  He is God Himself!  “MY Lord and my God!” It should not be thought that Thomas touched Jesus’ side.  For him, as for the other apostles, seeing was enough for believing.

Today we celebrate Thomas for his statement of faith and for carrying out the implication of the statement.  If Jesus is God, one should be willing to die for him.  We too are called to die for Jesus although it is not likely that we will be martyred.  But we can die to ourselves for Jesus’ sake.  We can give up our desires for pleasure, prestige, and power as Jesus showed us.