Thursday, February 1, 2024

Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(I Kings:1-4.10-12; Mark 6:7-13)

Today’s first reading renders a singularly positive understanding of David’s death.  He has his heir apparent nearby to whom he gives sage advice.  Dying peacefully, he is buried with his ancestors.  Because David was not the perfect king, some reference to his sins might have been made as he died.  But evidently respect for both the dead and the kingship refrained the author from making negative remarks.

The reading emphasizes the need for the kings of Israel to be faithful to the Lord.  Tragically, this will not happen.  Solomon, for all his wisdom, will copy the ways of foreign kings.  His descendants will commit murder to consolidate their power.  Because of corrupt leadership, Israel will eventually fall to foreign kingdoms.

Nevertheless, the advice David gave to Solomon remains true for us today.  If we follow the ways of the Lord, we will not have to worry.  He will make certain that we, and probably our sons and daughters as well, have a place in His eternal kingdom.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest

(II Samuel 24.9-17; Mark 6:1-6)

Today’s first reading raises a few questions.  Why is it a grievous sin to take a census?  What makes David regret the order that he has made for a census?  How is it that God has seventy thousand people die from the pestilence before he stops the carnage?  Answers may not be available in this text, but they might be gleaned from knowing the story of Israel.

By ordering a census David is becoming like other kings.  He will likely use census data to tax the people and to draft an army.  He is no longer going to depend upon God to deliver Israel from harm.  David has the capacity to sin egregiously but also to repent wholeheartedly.  His conscience evidently recognizes that he has sinned greatly in turning away from God to rely on his army’s numbers.  Finally, God should not be considered as changing His mind like David does.  Rather His infinite mercy should be recognized.  Justice demands payment but 70,000 lives is quite enough.

David possesses many qualities for us to emulate and a few that require our abhorrence.  We certainly should follow our consciences when they accuse us of sin and go to Confession.  We also need to ask God’s help in the future without making pretentious calculations about how we will take care of ourselves.  Prudence requires action, but we should always act in the name of God.

 

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

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

In today’s gospel Jesus shows preeminent mercy.  When he disembarks on the shore, a swarm of petitioners seek his healing services.  Quite generously, he goes with a man on a house call.  On the way he meets a woman suffering from both a hemorrhage and mistreatment by doctors.

Jesus goes the extra mile with both women.  When the woman with hemorrhage is cured, Jesus gives her a second blessing.  He pronounces her salvation.  After hearing that the patient of the house call that he is making has died, Jesus could go home.  However, defying the bad news, he brings the girl back to life. 

Going out of our way to help others we prove ourselves to be Jesus’ true disciples.  Neither being tired nor hearing negative comments should stop us from doing good.

 

Monday, January 29, 2024

Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Today’s first reading will make some wonder, “What does this bit of history have to do with Jesus Christ?” Probably more than most people think.  The focus of the story is David, King of Israel and predecessor of Jesus.  His virtuous action here hints of Jesus’ glory and provides example for Jesus’ followers.

David undergoes dual trials of his own son’s treason and the rebellion of his nation.  These setbacks are narrated not as the results of the nation’s evil and certainly not as accidental developments.  They come about because David slept with Uriah’s wife and had him killed to cover up his sin.  David now recognizes that his duress from his disloyal son and the stone thrower Abishai are prompted by God’s justice.  He has learned his lesson.  Wisely now he refrains from having Abishai killed.

As much as any of us, David sinned.  He also admitted his guilt and trusted in God’s justice and mercy.  Jesus will bear more than his name as “Son of David.” He will exhibit David’s prudence in action and hope in the Lord.  Of course, Jesus never sinned.  Because we sometimes do, we should follow David’s willingness to do penance and to trust in God’s mercy.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

(Deuteronomy 18:15-20; I Corinthians 7:32-35; Mark 1:21-28)

The Gospel according to Saint Mark is the shortest of the four canonical gospels. It's probably the least appreciated as well. But you can't say it's not dramatic. It draws us into the action as if it were an episode of Star Wars. The passage we read today is no exception.

To understand it we have to go back a little to last Sunday's gospel where Jesus says: “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”  You can bet on it. The Kingdom of God is essentially Jesus Himself, the Son of God. Now the kingdom is advancing like an army on the march. The forces of evil have to flee. God is reclaiming human hearts, the territory that was ceded to Satan and his demons.

In the gospel reading today we see a confrontation between Jesus and the enemy. The devil occupies the soul of a man. Perhaps the man is a lunatic, but the gospel does not say how the possession manifests itself. It doesn't matter. The presence of Jesus, charged with the Holy Spirit given to him at his Baptism, threatens the demon from head to toe.

The demon cannot resist him. He has to get out of the captive like a soldier whose trench has been ignited by a flamethrower.  The demon tries to challenge Jesus by revealing his identity, “the Holy One of God.” But the Lord silences him before the people realize what he is saying. In the statement the demon refers to himself with the plural “we.” He is speaking on behalf of all the demons whose domination of the world is being upended.

Jesus' action to silence the demon may cause us to ask, “Why? Isn't it good that everyone knows that the Son of God has come among them?” It's not good because Jesus doesn't want to be seen as a warrior coming to overthrow the government of Rome.  It is critical that we all understand that Jesus is not a political messiah but a spiritual one. He comes to save not only Israel but the entire world from evil habits that plunder the soul of life. The violence with which the demon releases control of the possessed indicates Jesus’ power to carry out this mission.

Jesus' desire that his identity not be revealed has been called “the messianic secret.” We are going to see Jesus insist it being kept throughout our reading of Mark’s gospel this year. But there is an exception to this pattern. It occurs on Palm Sunday when we read the Passion according to Saint Mark. After Jesus’ death on the cross, the Roman centurion says openly, “Truly this man was the son of God.” Of course, Jesus’ death prevents the centurion’s being silenced, but there is no point that the secret be kept any longer. Through his passion and death Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God, has revealed God’s purpose. He conquers human hearts by replacing sin with divine love.  

People in the synagogue say that Jesus speaks with “authority.” This word comes from the Latin word auctoritas meaning having influence over others. Jesus’ authority moves us to repent our greed, pride, lust, and other sins. It expels unclean spirits from their strategic position in our hearts. His authority frees us to follow him on the path of eternal life.

Friday, January 26, 2024

Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 4:6-34)

St. Timothy and St. Titus accompanied St. Paul on various parts of his missionary journeys.  They served as his assistants with tasks like carrying his letters and evaluating the needs of the communities Paul founded.  Eventually both came to lead Christian communities that were associated with Paul.  Timothy became what might be called “bishop of Ephesus” and Titus, “bishop of Crete.”

Today’s first reading emphasizes the continual reliance of Church leaders on faith.  They may be so preoccupied in giving commands that their relation with the Lord wanes.  On the other hand, they may become discouraged when few people express interest in their teaching.  If their faith falters, leaders cannot bring others to truly know the Lord.  As Paul writes, leaders are to stir up the faith that is within them by constant meditation and prayer.  Doing so, they will more ably assist their people on the road to eternal life.

Most of us have leadership responsibilities for which our faith serves well.  Parents, of course, have the physical and spiritual welfare of their children as a primary obligation.  On the job we want to convey confidence and concern to co-workers so that common objectives may be met.  Among friends we give tender care so that they may live with integrity and peace.

 

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, apostle

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

Today’s Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul marks the end of the Week of Prayer for Church Unity.  For over fifty years Christian churches have prayed from January 18 until today, January 25, that they might be united in worship.  The latter date was evidently chosen because as Paul was converted from a persecutor of Christians to its most accomplished promoter, so Christians today must experience a change of heart and mind if Christian unity is to be realized.

Catholics are by no means exempt from the necessity to change.  We must not think of Protestants as outside the possibility or the probability of salvation.  We also must recognize the virtues of Protestants and Orthodox.  Protestants have emphasized catechesis from childhood through adulthood.  Sunday school for children and Sunday evenings with a second lesson have been standards for many Protestant communities.  Orthodox greatly value liturgy, probably more so than Catholics.  They have a palpable sense of singing God’s praises outside the Eucharist as well as inside.

Sometimes it seems that Christian churches are farther apart now than ever.  Many Protestant churches’ ordaining women as bishops constitutes a singular barrier to reunion.  But the situation is not all grim.  Evangelical Christian churches see doctrine and, to an extent, church structure very similar to Catholics.  Orthodox and Catholics also are transcending historical differences in questions like the dating of Christmas.  We should not give up on seeing Christians united but pray all the harder that it becomes a reality.

Wednesday, January, 24, 2024

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

(II Samuel 7:4-17; Mark 4:1-20)

The two readings today are encountered various times during the year.  In the first God covenants with His servant David to make one of his descendants an eternal king.  Christians, of course, see the promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The gospel parable of seeds falling on different kinds of terrain is found in Mark, Matthew, and Luke.  With it Jesus urges his listeners to make of themselves the kind of earth that produces abundant fruit. His prescription for doing this is contained in the parable.  One must retreat from gossip and frivolous interests (the path).  One must also take care to reflect and pray (roots growing deep into the soil).  Finally, one must not be detoured by fame, fortune, or other pursuits (smothering thorns).

Today’s patron is somewhat well-known.  St. Francis de Sales was the Bishop of Geneva at the end of the Protestant Reformation. He wrote a classic book on spirituality called The Devout Life.  It famously says that everyone is called to sanctity but each according to his or her personal characteristics.  Francis means that we are all called to live in Christ’s eternal kingdom.  To arrive there, he would say, we must cultivate our lives to produce good fruit.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

(II Samuel 6:12b-15.17-19; Mark 3:31-35)

The first reading today tells of King David making “burnt offerings” and “peace offerings.”  In a burnt offering the animal sacrificed to God is destroyed so that there is nothing to be eaten.  Burnt offerings were made to atone for sins.

A peace offering was not wholly consumed by fire. Blood was shed, of course, but most of the animal was left to be eaten by the people who brought it.  Peace offerings were not made to pacify God for sins but to thank God for His goodness. 

The Eucharist is a kind of peace offering.  The bread and the wine brought for sacrifice become the body and blood of Christ.  He is offered to God in a spirit of praise and thanks. The people who brought the sacrificial elements then receive them back transformed.  Eating Christ’s body and drinking Christ’s blood give them new life.  At the Last Supper Christ made a New Covenant with his disciples.  Under this arrangement their sins are forgiven.  They may leave in complete peace, freed from past sins and energized with new life.

Monday, January 22, 2024

 Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

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

In today’s gospel Jesus rebukes the scribes for not acknowledging his working with the Holy Spirit.  He says that he casts out demons only with the Spirit’s power.  The passage concludes with Jesus’ accusing the scribes of the unpardonable sin of denying the work of God’s Spirit.

Something similar is at play today when the media and politicians refuse to acknowledge the critical importance of the family.  In celebration of individual freedom, these sectors will not endorse the need to limit sexual intimacy to marriage.  As a result, there is growing social dysfunction among children born outside of marriage and living without two parents in the home.

We must promote healthy marriage by encouraging youth to be chaste throughout their lives. Despite cultural opposition, we should promote modesty in demeanor.  We should also encourage to be prudent in choosing a marriage partner. 

Sunday, January 21, 2024

THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

(Jonah 3:1-5.10; I Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20)

The First Letter to the Corinthians is largely Saint Paul's answers to questions about the Christian life. Like us today, the Corinthians wanted to know how to live their faith in this troubled world. Because fundamental problems rarely disappear but reappear in new forms, it should not surprise us that Paul's advice to the Corinthians serves us well.

Interestingly, today's passage from First Corinthians begins in a similar way as today's gospel. Both readings warn that now is the time to act. Jesus says, “This is the time of fulfillment” in the sense that we cannot wait any longer. Pablo is more to the point. “Life is short,” he writes to the community of Corinth implying that if they do not act now, they may never act.  They may die tomorrow or have other concerns that demand their attention.

It's like the decision that runners make at six in the morning. If they don't get out of bed at this time, they may very well miss the opportunity to exercise that day. Almost always something -- be it a phone call, an unexpected visit, or a chore that was forgotten about before -- will prevent them from working out.  The time to act is now, not tomorrow.

What should we do? Again Paul's response conforms to Jesus' preaching in today’s gospel. Jesus urges: “Repent”; that is, change your way of thinking. Paul gives content to this command. He says that the Corinthians must behave as if they lived in a different reality than the current one. This new reality is the life of the saints who reside with God. Instead of conforming to the ways of the world, we must live like the blessed.

First, Paul addresses himself to the married. They must live as if they were not married. That is, they do not think of their spouse as an instrument to achieve their own goals. Men should not think of their wives as objects of their erotic fantasies. Women should not think of their husbands as means to procreate and support children. Spouses have to appreciate each other as that special person that God has entrusted to him or her to help reach eternal life.

Paul also urges the joyful not to rejoice. It is not that Paul does not want to see us happy, but he does not want us to live always seeking personal comfort and pleasure. Rather, may we have compassion for those who suffer in our midst. A man has lost his wife and son to cancer. These deaths cost him dearly, but he has learned how to be cheerful despite his plight. What is striking is that now he is dedicated to supporting other people who have suffered like him.

Paul's warning about consumerism concerns us especially today. Many people buy out of habit and even compulsion. They have all kinds of gadgets in the house, every invention from Apple or Braun. Truly their desires have become needs. They should learn that true happiness does not come from buying things but from cultivating caring relationships. Mother Teresa spoke of the spiritual poverty of the West as greater than the physical poverty of India. She said in an interview: “You, in the West, have millions of people suffering from such terrible loneliness and emptiness. They feel unloved and unwanted…They know they need something more than money, but they don't know what it is. What they really lack is a living relationship with God.”

“A living relationship with God” is equal to the Kingdom that Jesus has brought into the world. It is in part carrying in the mind the hope of eternal life after death. It is also having a clear conscience and a heart full of desire for the good of others. And it also includes collaborating with all types of people – whites and blacks, Muslims and Jews, poor and rich – for a society in accordance with God’s will.

Friday, January 19, 2024

Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

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

King David looms large in the Old Testament.  The ancient writers see him as the model king of Israel.  Strong himself, he trusted in God and conquered other nations.  Assuredly he is not portrayed as perfect, but he is always remorseful.  In today’s first reading he refuses to harm King Saul out of respect for God.

The four evangelists see Jesus as David’s descendant.  Like his predecessor, Jesus will conquer Israel’s enemies.  However, the enemies will not be armored men on horses but the spiritual forces of sin and death.  Jesus will prove to be greater than David.  He never sins; yet he prays for mercy on his brothers and sisters who fail to fulfill God’s will.

We should try to emulate David piety, especially before he became king.  When faced with enormous challenges, we want to trust in God.  When we have done something beneficial, we ‘want to thank God openly and fervently.  And when mortal enemies are in our grasp, we want to remember that they too are God’s children.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

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

An old movie tells the story of a single mother of two sons.  The woman’s husband abandoned his family and eventually went off to war where he was severely injured.  He came back so disfigured that he could not be recognized.  The man watched over his wife and sons from a distance without anyone knowing.  One night his wife was assaulted by two men.  The man intervened to save her but was fatally stabbed to death in the process.  Only then did the woman identify her rescuer as her husband. 

Like the husband in the movie, Jesus in today’s gospel does not want his identity known.  He forbids the unclean spirit from revealing that he is the Son of God.  Later, when Peter has the insight to call him “Messiah,” he and the other disciples will also be told not to let the word out.  If the people knew that Jesus was the Son of God, they would want to make themselves into an army with him as head.  But they would not know the extent of God’s love for them.  Only after his death will the people realize that Jesus died on the cross so that their sins could be forgiven.  In fact, when he dies, the Roman centurion announces, “Truly this man was God’s son.”

The husband in the movie knew that if he tried to go back to his wife as deformed as he was, nobody would believe that he cared about his family.  He had to show everyone his love by dying to save his wife.  Jesus does the same for us and wants us to make sacrifices out of love for one another.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot

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

Aristotle taught that a soldier best exemplifies the virtue of courage.  He saw the warrior’s overcoming the fear of death to fight for the homeland as the essence of bravery.  In today’s readings his ideal would be realized in David who takes up the challenge of Goliath to defend the honor of Israel.  Thomas Aquinas gave the model of courage a different flavor.  Since he understood union with God as the ultimate goal in life, martyrdom became the highest way to practice courage.  In today’s gospel Jesus demonstrates such courage as he heals the invalid on the Sabbath despite the vicious contempt the cure will draw from the Pharisees.

Anthony of the Desert, today’s patron saint, exemplifies another kind of courage.  He gave up everything he had to live most of his life in solitude.  This meant overcoming the fear, not of death but of living an unfulfilled life.  He forsook the commonly satisfying experiences of family, home, and daily company to deepen his relationship with the Lord.  In doing so, Anthony provided Christianity a model of holiness.

We don’t have to go off to the desert to be holy.  But we must give time and effort to stay close to the Lord.  Holiness entails seeking his help so that we might do his will.  It is impossible for the weak-hearted.  We must have courage as well to be holy.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel16:1-13; Mark 2:23-28)

Orthodox Jews celebrate every Sabbath as if it were Christmas Day for Christians.  No one does any work.  People go to the synagogue to hear the word of God with comments by a well-educated rabbi. Families come together to talk, eat, perhaps sing, and play together. It is a day to imagine what heaven will be like.

Jesus, a good Jew, also celebrated the Sabbath.  By no means did he want to forbid its rituals, joys, and demands.  But he does see the need at times to dispense with some of the rules.  In today’s gospel he tells the Pharisees that because his disciples need to eat, he gives them permission to pick grain on the Sabbath.

Christians have transferred the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day of the week.  But we are urged not to let go of the religious, celebrative, or communal nature of the day.  For us Sunday is the day of the new creation.  We have been remade, free from sin and destined for eternal life.  Contemplating what this means is an activity worthy of the Sabbath.

Monday, January 15, 2024

Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

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

The first reading sounds more than cruel.  It sounds blasphemous.  Reading it, one asks, “Could God really have commanded Saul to exterminate the Amalekites?” In other words, did God order a genocide?  One will ask again, “What kind of ‘loving God’ is this?”

There should be no doubt that God really did command Saul to exterminate the Amalekite nation.  It must be remembered, however, that God has the power to give the Amalekites eternal life.  His providence would have provided for the innocent and the good members of that nation.  Furthermore, God’s plan is to make Israel a holy nation so that it might teach the world God’s justice.  Always pitting themselves against Israel, the Amalekites were frustrating God’s plan.

Of course, the purpose of telling this story is to emphasize the need to obey God.  With Jesus, God has revealed his ultimate will for the world.  He wants us to live in peace with all.  This is Martin Luther King’s dream whom we remember especially today. 

Sunday, January 14, 2024

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 14, 2024

(I Samuel 3:3-10,19; I Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20; John 1:35-42)

Of all the titles we hear for Jesus, “Lamb of God” may be the strangest. We think of Jesus as a shepherd, not as a lamb. However, in today's gospel John the Baptist uses this title to point out that Jesus is going to be sacrificed to fulfill God's plan of salvation. If John, through this comment, does not explain everything that Jesus is, neither do the many people today who want to recognize him only as a “great teacher” or a “holy man” understand who Jesus is.

Andrew and his companion in the gospel do not care how much their understanding is lacking when they turn to Jesus with John's recommendation. They think of him only as a rabbi or teacher.  Maybe it's the same for some of us. Even if we do not fully understand Jesus, we seek him because our parents or our friends have recommended him to us.

Jesus does not leave us in the dark for long. He challenges us along with the two disciples, “What are you looking for?” This is not a simple question like, what address are you looking for? Rather, it is a question about our deepest hopes in life. What do we want above all? Some will respond, “health”; others will say “fame,” “pleasure,” or “money.” But the wise, knowing how all things change, will respond, “God.” Only God is good, just, and compassionate always. He alone can be counted on for the means to sustain ourselves in good times and bad.

Jesus responds to Andrew and his companion with an invitation to believe in him. He says, “Come and see.” This response is similar to his invitation in Matthew's Gospel, “Come to me, all you who labor…” He wants us to put our trust in him and his way of life. By saying that we are to “see,” Jesus is suggesting that we perceive reality with spiritual sight and not just physical sight. That is, that we have the faith to accept life as a journey that ends with God. In the end God will judge us as worthy of being accepted into his eternity or not.

Evidently Andrew's experience with Jesus is enlightening. The first thing he does after his visit with Jesus is tell his brother Simon that he has found the “Messiah.” Notice how his appreciation of Jesus has grown from “lamb of God” to “teacher” to “Messiah.” Now he recognizes Jesus as the “son of God” that the prophets announced as the one who will lead Israel to instruct the entire world how to live in peace and justice. It is the same concept that we have in mind when we talk about “Christ the King.”

When Jesus meets Simon, he gives him another name. It is “Simon Peter,” that is, “Simon, the rock”, who will provide stability and firmness to the community that he is founding. Of course, that community is the Church, the New Israel, which continues Jesus’ mission of instructing the world in the ways of peace. Like Simon, all of us should see ourselves as being gifted by Christ with a new name that designates the role we are to carry out in the Church. We can discern in prayer what name Christ gives us and what he expects of us. Perhaps he calls us “prof” if our role is to educate others in the faith, or “charity” if our role is to help those in need. There are names with roles for everyone.

Jesus, the Messiah and King, calls each of us to "come and see." Perhaps in the past we have not listened to his voice. Let us take a few minutes today in prayer to make it clear to him that he is the one we want most of all. We can ask him in turn to clarify the name and role that he has for us.

Friday, January 12, 2024

Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

Jesus’ enigmatic question, “Which is easier…?” may be applied to today’s first reading as well as the gospel.  Is it easier for God to create a conquering nation or a holy people? Many will respond unreflectively, “a holy people.”  However, the simple truth seems to be that it is much easier to make a nation of conquerors than to make a holy people.  Yet the latter is precisely Jesus’ purpose.

Jesus builds on already present faith.  The reading says, “Jesus saw their faith.” It may be referring to the faith of all present, not just to that of the paralytic’s porters. That is, Jesus may be responding to the faith of all who are coming to believe in him as God’s “favored one.”  Through Jesus’ teaching they begin to see that a nation’s true greatness consists not in having a victorious army but in being a people dedicated to holiness and justice.  The people’s care will extend especially to those most in need – paralytics and the poor.

Pope Francis is making every effort to extend this concept of greatness through compassion.  He is sometimes criticized for insufficient concern about orthodoxy.  By all means, preserving the apostolic faith is one of the prime responsibilities of the Bishop of Rome.  For this reason Francis continually asks prayers that he does not fail in his duties.  It might be added, however, that the pope is above all the head of apostles.  His primary task is to carry out Jesus’ mission of forming a holy people who will practice God’s love for all.

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

The first reading and the gospel today converge to give an important lesson for the spiritual life.  The reading from the I Samuel shows the Israelis using the Ark of the covenant as a weapon to defeat the Philistines.  It is a fool’s strategy.  Not holy things but holiness incarnate in people will reap great rewards.

The gospel tells Jesus curing a leper.  He specifically tells the man not to say anything about his healing. But the man does not obey.  Jesus demands silence so that people will not think that he came simply to cure their illnesses.  He wants people to know that he came to call them to repentance and trust in God’s mercy.  His death on the cross will indicate the kind of self-surrender that Jesus expects of his followers.

We should expect good things to happen when we give ourselves over to Jesus.  But we should not be so presumptuous as to name what those good things will be.  Rather we want to follow Jesus amidst our trials and look forward to the mystery of his resurrection.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

Today’s first reading presents a classic Old Testament text.  It will again be heard in Sunday’s Eucharist.  The story provides a template for how the Lord calls people to work in His service.

Two features stand out in this reading.  First, the child Samuel is made aware that he is being called.  He hears a voice. Whether the voice comes in a dream or is external to Samuel the reading does not say.  Anyway, Samuel is made conscious that someone wants something from him.  Second, Samuel consults his master, the priest Eli, about what he hears.  Indeed, at first he thinks that Eli might have called him.  Eli knows the ways of God so that he could help Samuel discern what the voice is asking from Samuel.

We should understand the story as the way God may be calling us.  In our time, as it was in Eli’s and Samuel’s, a revelation of the Lord seems uncommon.  Nevertheless, God may use a dream or an intuitive sense that He wants us to do something for Him.  We might, like Samuel, confer with a person known for holiness to help us discern what we are being called to do.  When we figure out what God wants, again with the assistance of a wise person, we should readily embrace the mission.  We need not worry.  God is like a father who always wants what is best for his children.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

Three characteristics mark today’s gospel which might be entitled “the beginning of ä typical day in the life of Jesus.”  First, it’s Saturday when Jews go to the synagogue.  Jesus, who never exempts himself from Jewish law, also is found in the synagogue.  Second, Jesus speaks with “authority.”  This word, from the Latin “auctoritas,” means influence over others, both legally and practically.  Paraphrasing an old television commercial, when Jesus speaks, people listen. 

Finally, Jesus admonishes the evil spirit to be quiet when they call him “the Holy One of God.” This characteristic, known as the “Messianic secret,“ refers to Jesus’ not wanting others to know of his divine Sonship.  This sounds odd, but there is a reason behind the secrecy.  Jesus wants people to see how he has to suffer to fulfill his divine mission.  Only then will the people be able to understand that divine Sonship requires sacrificial suffering for others.

Our days might not be as busy as Jesus’, and we may not have his charismatic authority.  But we can follow Jesus by being faithful to our Catholic customs and laws.  Even more importantly, we can sacrifice our own comfort for the good of others to share in his divine Sonship.

Monday, January 8, 2024

The Baptism of the Lord

(Isaiah 42:1-4.6-7; Mark 1:7-11)

In the Gospel of Mark only Jesus hears the voice from heaven at his Baptism.  In Matthew’s gospel this is a moment of epiphany or manifestation to all.  But in the reading today the audience is limited to Jesus.  He is personally being made aware that he is God’s Son and has pleased His Father greatly.

This is meant as a revelation to Jesus.  As St. Paul indicates in the Letter to the Philippians, at the incarnation the Son emptied himself of divinity.  This emptying includes, presumedly, divine knowledge. Now, after formation in Nazareth and with John in the desert, Jesus is told of his status.  But there is more to the revelation than that.  The Spirit’s descent over Jesus is an anointing.  Jesus is blessed and protected for the mission of reestablishing his Father’s kingdom in the world.  He will preach, heal, and call others to follow his example.

The form and substance of Jesus’ baptism prefigure our own.  We too have become God’s “beloved” as we enter Christ’s body, the Church.  We too have been prepared and commissioned to bring the world in line with the love of God, our Father. 

Sunday, January 7, 2024

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

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

It is nothing new that the three magi are not kings. Nor should they be considered magicians in the sense that they practice magic. Rather, Saint Matthew's intention is to present them as seekers of truth. They diligently search the heavens to determine exactly what the future holds. In a way they are like meteorologists looking for signs in the atmosphere to predict the weather tomorrow, next week, or in a year.

The gospel does not specify where the wise men come from. But because of their placement in the east and their interest in science, bible commentators believe they are Persians. Anyway, they have heard of the “king of the Jews” who was to be born. Perhaps they have heard of the prophecy that a descendant of King David is going to sit on his throne forever. He is the long-awaited Jewish Messiah who will reestablish David's kingdom and attract the world’s monarchs to hear his wisdom. The magi follow the newborn's star to pay him tribute.

The star provides the magi with only part of the truth. It can indicate approximately where the King is, but not precisely. For this, divine revelation is needed. This is why the Jews refer to the Scriptures when the magi ask, “Where is the king of the Jews…?” The prophet Micah wrote that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.

The reference to the Scriptures provides us with a very urgent lesson for contemporary times. Every field of human study -- even the hard sciences like physics, chemistry, and biology -- cannot reveal the truth in its fullness. To know the complete truth we need God’s revelation. This is particularly the case in reference to morality. Without recourse to Scripture, people will allow manipulation of the body and soul to achieve their ends. For this reason in some parts there are persistent calls for the Church to bless gay marriages and for the state to allow the extermination of people with severe disabilities.

The magi finally encounter Jesus, the king who embodies the complete truth. His teachings will form a just people. His actions will show followers that eternal happiness does not consist of endless pleasure but of measureless love. The gifts presented by the magi are fitting for such a king. He is worth more than gold. As the Son of God he deserves praises that like fragrant incense ascend to heaven. And because as a human he will suffer death for a time, myrrh for his burial is included.

Despite the benefits that the King-Messiah brings, some do not want him to reign. They would eliminate him as if he were the plague and not the remedy for every ailment. Herod does not want to share power with anyone, even one who will bring peace to his reign. Others do not want to listen to Jesus because of the pride, greed, and lust that drive his hearts. These are not necessarily people foreign to us. It has been said that the line separating good and evil does not run through families, nations, or faith communities but through each human heart. Therefore, we must strive to increase daily our likeness to the King.

Jesus should be the focus of our lives. If we meditate every day on how to put the gospel into practice, we will have the truth at our disposal. When we live it, we will experience eternal happiness.

Friday, January 5, 2024

Memorial of Saint John Neumann, bishop

(I John 3:11-21; John 1:43-51)

It is said that unlike other rabbis of his day, Jesus sought out his own disciples.  Most rabbis waited for students to come to them.  Jesus, however, took the initiative.  In today’s gospel he calls Philip directly.  “’Follow me,’” he instructs the man from Bethsaida.  He has also had an eye on Nathaniel for evidently a long while.

Jesus called John Neumann, today’s patron saint from an early age.  John wanted to serve as a priest in his native Bohemia but was refused ordination because of a surplus of clergy.  Priests were hard to find in the United States where he emigrated.  Within a year of his arrival John was ordained and not long after that he was on the missionary trail. 

Jesus calls each of us to be his disciples.  Whether or not we become a priest or religious, we are to learn from Jesus and then, very importantly, serve in his name.  We need to discern what the Lord wants us to do and then go about it with all our heart.

Thursday, January 4, 2024

 Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

 (I John 3:7-10; John 1:35-42)

Today’s first reading speaks of God’s seed remaining in the Christian.  This seed enables her not to sin. What is it referring to with this obscure image?  May it be the same seed that impregnated the Virgin Mary?  It turns out that it is.  It is the Holy Spirit that comes down upon Christians to protect them from sinning.

Economists theorize how nation have comparative advantages in one way or another.  This conceptual reality will enable them outperform other nations in a particular industry.  Columbia’s many mountainous regions with moderate temperatures give it a comparative advantage over, say, the United States in producing coffee.  In a similar way the Holy Spirit gives Christians a comparative advantage over others in living righteous lives.

Unfortunately, Christians sometimes fail to use their comparative advantage.  We act contrary to the Holy Spirit when we choose to abuse others in order to love ourselves.  We may claim for ourselves more than justice permits.  Whenever this happens, we should note the whisper of the same Holy Spirit.  As invisibly as he was given to us, he calls us back to goodness.  Our comparative advantage does not fail us when we fail it.

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(I John 2:29-3:6; John 1:29-34)

All the gospels feature John the Baptist near their beginning.  However, none picture John in quite the same way.  In the Gospel of Mark John does not know who is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit is.  In John’s gospel, the Baptist points to Jesus as he.

Mark claims that John’s baptism forgives sins.  So what more can Baptism with the Holy Spirit do?  It makes the baptized children of God, heirs of heaven, and temples of the Spirit on earth.  Knowing that Christians can act viciously, one may think the gospel is a fantasy.  But a person may devolve after becoming a child of God.  He or she may lose sanctity through serious sin. 

Living a spiritual life, we take Baptismal sanctity seriously.  We strive to act like the person we have become.  With the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can succeed in this endeavor as sure as we can learn to read.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Memorial of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen

(I John 2:22-28; John 1:19-28)

Saints Basil and Gregory Nazianzen were fourth century bishops in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.  Because of their intimate friendship, they share a common feast day.  They also played a significant role in defending the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy.  Their testimony to Christ may be likened to that of John the Baptist in today’s gospel.

In the Gospel of John the Jews from Jerusalem are set against Jesus.  Later in the gospel they will contest his claim that he gives his flesh to eat.  Here they play a similar role vis-à-vis John.  They first ask who he is and then if he might be related to the expected Messiah.  John’s replies must have frustrated them as he only claims to be the precursor of one is greater than he. 

We think that we may know who Christ is by saying that he is the Son of God.  But because he is that, we can never know him completely.  Yet this fact should not keep us from trying to know him more.  He will keep surprising us by both his gentleness and strength.  As the New Year takes shape, let us promise ourselves to make every effort to dialogue with Christ in order to know him better.