Thursday, August 1, 2024

Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Ligouri, bishop and doctor of the Church

(Exodus 40:16-21.34-38; Matthew 13:47-53)

If “the glory of God is the human person fully alive,” then other than Christ, the saints best represent that glory.  St. Alphonsus Ligouri’s fulsome life certainly reflected God’s greatness.  He was both a jurist and a canonist, wrote one of the premier works on moral theology, administered a diocese as its bishop, and founded a vigorous congregation of male religious (the Redemptorists) and an order of contemplative nuns.  However, the first reading provides a more traditional concept of God’s glory.

The Book of Exodus shows how God’s glory comes to rest on the Ark of the Covenant which Moses has built.  That glory is seen as a cloud which fills the tent housing the Ark.  Nothing is said of the nature of the cloud, but the impression is given that it is a cumulus that permeates the tent like the light from a 350 watt bulb.  Perhaps, however, that glory is a cloud of incense rising from the pots of worshippers.

We can exhibit God’s glory by both our worship and our living.  When we join in liturgical music and prayer, God is given due praise.  And when we work for the good of all in the name of the Lord – even if we are only sweeping the kitchen floor – we likewise point to God’s greatness.

 

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest

(Jeremiah 15:10.16-21; Matthew 13:44-46)

In today’s first reading Jeremiah rebels against God.  He regrets having cast his lot with Him.  He says that living righteously and criticizing others for not doing so have brought loneliness and pain.  The Lord listens but does not approve of what Jeremiah is saying.  Rather He offers the prophet an opportunity to repent.  He promises to stand with Jeremiah so that his enemies may not prevail over him.

There are points of contact between Jeremiah’s spiritual journey and that of St. Ignatius.  Today’s featured saint also spent time alone and in pain.  He was recuperating from war injuries when he began reading the lives of the saints.  The peace that he felt made him decide to change his life course.  He too would speak for God.  But he still met with resistance as he was investigated by the Spanish Inquisition.  Along with six others he founded the Society of Jesus which provided the Church essential support in its efforts to reform itself in the sixteenth century.

All of us have times of trouble and loneliness.  When they occur, we need to listen carefully to the voice of God.  He will give us the support we need for renewal.  Starting over with God’s help should bring us peace and, more importantly, result in the avowed goal of Jesuits, “the greater glory of God.”

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Jeremiah 14:17-22; Matthew13:36-43)

A scene of Stephen Spielberg’s movie “Lincoln” shows the president riding through a recent battlefield.  The time is just before sunrise or after sunset when a grey hue hangs over the shocking reality.  On every side of Lincoln’s carriage are cadavers piled up like sacks of potatoes.  The carnage indicates why Lincoln is said to have aged ten years in the previous twelve months.  It also gives an idea of Jeremiah’s somber in today’s first reading.

Babylon has just overwhelmed Jerusalem.  The empire has left civilians dead in their tracks and has devastated the Temple.  People scavenge for food.  The men of God cannot give consolation as they too experience dire need.  Jeremiah can only pray to God.  He laments the sins of Judah that brought upon itself such disaster.  Then he asks for mercy.

We too easily forget how terrible war is.  Inclined to think of battle in terms of valor and victory, we often forget the desolation it inevitably produces.  This year in the multiple elections throughout the world may the people choose leaders who cringe at the prospect of war and strive for prosperity without violence.

Monday, July 29, 2024

Memorial of Saints. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

(Jeremiah 13:1-11; John 11: 19-27)

In today’s gospel Martha displays all the extroversion of the famous Lukan account of Jesus’ visit to her home.  She wastes no time in greeting Jesus and making her desire for a favor known.  On this occasion, however, she shows remarkable perception in her profession of faith in Jesus.

Of course, Jesus must help her to understand himself.  He is “the resurrection,” the one who gives spiritual life to the physically dead.  He is also “the life,” who does not allow the spiritually alive to die.  Martha nods to Jesus’ self-description and then gives her own testimony.  Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God, who comes to rule the world in peace.

We marvel at Martha’s familiarity with the Lord and should imitate it.  He is with us as our friend, someone to be trusted with every complaint and aspiration.  More than that, he is our God, ready to see us through every provide every predicament.

 

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(II Kings 4:42-44; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15)

Dear brothers and sisters, today we begin an anomaly in the liturgy. For five Sundays, we interrupt our reading of the Gospel according to Saint Mark to reflect on the "Bread of Life Discourse" in the Gospel according to Saint John. The discourse helps us understand the Eucharist, which Vatican II called "the source and summit of Christian life."

Today's reading can be seen as the material on which Jesus reflects in the discourse. Its intention is to raise the question: "Who is Jesus?" We cannot understand the Eucharist without first having a correct concept of Jesus.

The reading begins with many people following Jesus to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. They have seen him performing miraculous cures and want to see more of them. They do not yet have faith in Jesus; they are simply amazed by his power. They make up an immense crowd of five thousand men, and who knows how many women and children?

Jesus assumes the role of a gracious host when he asks Philip, "How can we buy bread so that these people may eat?" He is concerned that everyone will be well-nourished, but he has more in mind than calories and carbohydrates. He is going to provide spiritual nourishment so that they may have life in abundance. This is the reason for the question. He wants to know if Philip has been able to penetrate his humanity to recognize his divinity.

As if it were a Mass, Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks to God for it, and distributes it among the people. Because he is such a good host, he serves the fish in the same way. Bread and fish comprised the basic foods for lunch among the Palestinians two thousand years ago. They were like rice and beans or tortillas and beans for various peoples today.

After the distribution of food, Jesus asks his disciples to gather the leftovers. Because they gather only the bread, it can be said that it, and not the fish, is the provision emphasized here. The twelve baskets of leftovers indicate not only the enormity of the miracle but something deeper. Each basket represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Just as God fed the Israelites with manna in the desert, Jesus feeds the crowd on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The implication is clear. Jesus is like God in his concern and action on behalf of the people. The Book of Exodus explains that by being satisfied with manna, the Israelites would know that the Lord was their God. Thus, the Galileans should recognize Jesus as God by the multiplication of the loaves.

However, the people do not yet reach this conclusion. They call Jesus only "the prophet" of whom Moses speaks in the book of Deuteronomy. They also attempt to proclaim him king. These roles pale when compared to reality. The prophet would be like Moses, not like God. Also, every human king serves for a limited time and with power subject to being surpassed by another’s. Only God reigns forever with absolute power.

But what kind of bread does Jesus have that multiplies to nourish entire nations? And what is the spiritual nourishment that yields life in abundance? Finally, how exactly should we understand life in abundance? To answer these questions, we have to reflect deeply on the Bread of Life Discourse in the coming weeks.

 

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 16:2-4,12-15; Ephesians 4:17,20-24; John 6:24-35)

Bishops are concerned that most Catholics do not believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. This is a grave and real matter. But an even more important question is, who is Jesus? Many, both Christians and non-Christians, think of him as a sage like Sophocles or a prudent leader like Lincoln. Last week we saw Jesus giving signs that he is God. Just as God gave the Israelites manna to feed them physically, Jesus gave those who sought him bread that nourished them both physically and spiritually.

In today's gospel, Jesus reveals that he is the Bread of Eternal Life, but first, he discusses with the Jews their values. He accuses them of seeking him not for the spiritual bread he imparts but for the bread that satisfied them without having to work for it. He says this pursuit is futile because physical bread will eventually run out. Sooner or later, this bread will sour like the manna left on the desert floor. Instead, Jesus offers himself, "the Bread of Life," that lasts forever. He says that if they accept him as the Son of God with faith, he will continue to satisfy them endlessly.

Many in the world today, like these Jews, strive to satisfy themselves with things that eventually lose their value. They think these things will bring them happiness. There are many substitutes for true happiness, but they can be summarized in four words starting with the letter "p": power, property, prestige, and pleasure. These attract many but are ultimately like bread that perishes. Olympic athletes who strive to be the fastest runner or the strongest boxer will soon see another athlete who runs faster or punches harder. The rich will see their millions dissipate when they realize they cannot buy health or love. The famous today do not have to wait many tomorrows to see others receive more attention than them. And pleasure often proves to be a curse due to its harmful effects, as has happened with many smokers.

But the Jews resist Jesus' offer. They ask for proof of his relationship with God. Evidently, they have forgotten the multiplication of loaves. Anyway, they want another sign before they believe in him. They suggest it be something like the manna their ancestors ate in the desert. Jesus responds that this "bread from heaven" was a gift from God, his Father, and now he gives them the true bread from heaven, which is himself. He adds that accepting him as the Son sent by God is equivalent to doing God's work or, better, fulfilling his will.

So far, we have not had to consider the Blessed Sacrament to explain how he is the Bread of Life. His words and actions can be considered spiritual nourishment to be consumed. However, it is necessary to keep a proper sense of Jesus for him to be the substance that satisfies the world’s hunger. It is not simply that he has the most recognized name in history. Rather, he can satisfy the world because he is God. That is, Jesus is the spiritual creator that allows the existence of all being by participation in Him. We can compare him to the sun. Just as the sun's rays create life on earth, the metaphysical action of God gives existence to the physical universe. Jesus Christ has come to reveal God's will through his words and even more through his sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. Him we trust and follow.

 

Friday, August 2, 2024

Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Jeremiah 26:1-9; Matthew 13:54-58)

Both readings today speak of a prophet being rejected in his native place.  Jeremiah will be spurned for telling Jerusalemites that they must repent of unfaithfulness to God.  The people of Nazareth take offense with Jesus for daring to lecture those with whom he had been raised.

Since the prophetic message is often critical, people will not want to hear it.  They are resistant to change at another’s beckoning even when it might spare them hardship.  They believe that one’s dignity is somehow heightened by having one’s own way.

We should not allow a probable negative response to prevent us from speaking the truth to family and friends.  Of course, our perception of the truth should be tested.  Also, we need to be prudent about when and how to express it.  Nevertheless, when necessary for the good of others, we should not refrain from declaring the truth.

Friday, July 26, 2024

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

(Jeremiah 3:14-17; Matthew 12:18-23)

Today’s feast and both Scripture readings proclaim saintly people.  The tradition of Joachim and Anne tells of a barren couple who prayed for children.  The Lord granted them the Blessed Virgin Mary as fruit of their union.

In the first reading Jeremiah predicts that the Lord will return a remnant of Jews from exile.  These men and women will learn holiness from righteous leaders.  The gospel highlights various outcomes for hearers of the word of God.  One group puts the word into practice so that it produces benefits for them and others.

Holiness is a matter of priority.  Those who have attained it put God first over wealth, pleasure, and fame.  They will live forever because they belong to the eternal God.

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Feast of Saint James, apostle

(II Corinthians 4:7-15; Matthew 20:20-28)

A Scripture professor once joked that all the apostles were martyrs ex officio.  He might have added “except John,” the brother of James in today’s gospel. Although historical knowledge of most of the twelve is scant, there is New Testament testimony that James did die by the sword.  The Acts of the Apostles records that King Herod had him brutally murdered.

Today’s first reading from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians testifies that the apostles suffered if not martyrdom, then injury to body and spirit.  Although Paul was not of the original twelve, he likely had them in mind when he wrote, “For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus.” His point, however, is not to praise martyrs but to call attention to the power of God.  It is by no meaner inspiration than divine grace that apostles surrendered their lives for Christ.  Paul’s implication is that the Corinthians and other followers of Christ have this same grace working within them.

Grace is moving us like the apostles to sacrifice our lives and resources for Christ.  In response to his teaching we assist the poor, console the down trodden, and teach the uneducated about God.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Jeremiah 1:1.4-10; Matthew 13:1-9)

The woman did not know what to say.  Her granddaughter had just confessed that she wanted to move in with her boyfriend.  Then the younger asked her grandmother whether she would disown her if she did.  Such a scene of conflicting values is reminiscent of the era of the prophet Jeremiah featured in the first reading today.

 Jeremiah lives in the southern kingdom of Judah in the seventh and sixth centuries before Christ.  The time of his calling as a prophet, which today’s reading reports, is particularly corrupted.  Manasseh, Judah’s king, has allowed Assyrian idols to be placed in the Temple area.  God is commissioning the young Jeremiah to speak his truth to the people.  It would be a tough assignment for a seasoned prophet.  It is no wonder then that Jeremiah tries to shy away from the challenge. 

 Not only young people today live together outside marriage.  Elders as well, whether to avoid the emotional or the legal entanglements of marriage, are opting for cohabitation.  We certainly should not show approval for the practice.  In fact, we should express our concern –with both prayerful care and prophetic integrity– that the couple is offending our Creator.

 

Tuesday, Jul 23, 2024

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Micah 7:14-15.19-20; Matthew 12:46-50)

Today’s gospel challenges the Catholic Christian for two reasons.  First, it seems to slight Jesus’ familiar relationships when he turns to his disciples as his “mother” and “brothers.”  Second, it begs the question, if Mary was a virgin before, during, and after giving birth to Jesus as the Church teaches, how could he have “brothers´?

As a response it can be said that Jesus does not exclude his blood relatives from a spiritual relationship with him.  In fact, his mother was with him when he was crucified.  James and Jude, called “brothers” of Jesus in the gospels, did join his disciples after his death.  Regarding the question of Mary’s virginity, it is possible that the word brother has been extended by the gospel writers to include cousins.  Or it may be that the “brothers” were Jesus’ half-brothers by virtue of Joseph having a family before he married Mary.

The import of this gospel is surely that we, disciples of Jesus, have more than a casual relationship with him.  When we do the will of his Father, we are as close to him as we are to our most intimate siblings.

Monday, July 22, 2024

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

(II Corinthians 5:14-17; John 20:1-2.11-18)

Saint Mary Magdalene followed Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem.  Because of passages like today’s gospel, she has been considered one of Jesus’ intimate disciples.  One popular novel of a generation ago even portrayed Mary Magdalene as Jesus’ wife.  However, there is no shred of evidence for this kind of relationship in the New Testament. 

But, of course, Mary did love Jesus dearly.  John’s Gospel shows her at the cross with Jesus’ beloved disciple and his mother.  When she discovered that it was he to whom she was talking in the garden, she wanted to verify her perception by touching him.  However, it was not the time to hold onto Jesus; it was time to proclaim him to the world.  In fact, Jesus tells her to proclaim to his disciples what she has seen.

After the consecration during Mass, we too profess Jesus’ death and resurrection.  We may take a cue from this gospel passage not to cling to Jesus figuratively by limiting our devotion to prayer.  Rather we should go out and testify to the risen Lord with our lives.  Our patience with others gives this testimony. 

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – b24 – July 21, 2024

(Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34)

Instead of focusing on the gospel, today I would like to comment on the second reading. You know that the second reading of Sunday Mass is almost always taken from an apostolic letter. The letter in question now is to the Ephesians, the people of a large city in Western Asia.

We are used to hearing that Paul wrote the Letter to the Ephesians. And it's true, the letter begins with his name. However, Bible scholars today say that the author was a disciple of Paul who used his name to get readers' attention. (We do find this practice strange, but it was evidently not frowned upon in ancient times.) Apparently, the letter was written after Paul's death because it indicates a different situation from the time of his martyrdom. However, the Letter to the Ephesians is considered a key work of the New Testament.

The reading today emphasizes that Jesus Christ came to reconcile the Jewish and Gentile peoples within himself. This concept is expressed with one of the most beautiful phrases in all of Scripture: “…he is our peace.” That is, Jesus' death on the cross brought about reconciliation with God for both Gentiles and Jews. Furthermore, his death reconciled the two peoples with each other.

Reconciliation with God was the result of the sacrifice of the God-man. As a man, Jesus represents all humanity. Because he is God, his giving of his life has universal ramifications. The penalty accumulated for the sins of the world is now paid. All women and men are justified when they adhere to Christ.

Jesus achieved reconciliation between people through his bloody death. When the two peoples see their Savior, innocent of crime but mercilessly hanged for their sins, they share their misery. It's like the final scene of the drama Romeo and Juliet. The families of the protagonists recognize that their mutual hostility caused the death of their beloved youth and promise to always live in peace.

Furthermore, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus has released the Holy Spirit to call all of us in the Church. Initiated by Baptism and strengthened by the Eucharist, we see each other as brothers and sisters called to unity in truth and love.

Jesus brings us peace by being a model of respect for authority. He never pretended that he was greater than the civil law. Progressives and traditionalists must accept the will of the majority in civil matters. Jesus is also the cause of peace when we appeal to him to heal a deteriorated situation. He has an infinite number of ways to intervene in human activities. He should always be our first and last resort in trouble. Finally, Jesus is our peace when we take to heart his commandment to love our enemies. By doing small acts of kindness for those who see life differently we will be seen as sincere in our concern for the common good.

Anyway, we don't have to be unduly concerned. Jesus has conquered evil, although this is often veiled. His victory may take the rest of time to become evident to all.

Friday, July 19, 2024

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Isaiah 38:1-6.21-22.22,7-8; Matthew 12:1-8)

In today’s gospel Jesus makes an outrageous claim.  He says, “… the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”  In other words, Jesus, who frequently calls himself “the Son of Man,” created the sabbath as well as all in heaven and on earth.  It is like saying that some bricklayer built Yankee Stadium by himself. 

Some wonder whether Jesus ever said that he was Lord of the sabbath.  They note that in the Gospel of Mark, likely written before Matthew’s, Jesus gives another defense for the disciples’ Sabbath picking.  He tells the Pharisees, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.”  According to those commentators, Matthew changed the reason to indicate that Jesus really was God’s Son with authority over God’s written law.

We should not be scandalized when we hear that the evangelists changed the wording of Jesus’ statements or even the basic idea of what Jesus said.  They believed on the testimony of the apostles that Jesus rose from the dead to give lasting life to his followers.  And they composed their gospels to assure others of the same belief.

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in ordinary Time

(Isaiah 26:7-9.12.16-19; Matthew 11:28-30)

St. Augustine begins his Confessions writing, "You stir us to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."  Human hearts are restless until they know the Lord in worship and in righteous living.  In these activities they find comfort and peace.  In today’s gospel Jesus invites all to find this rest in him.

People’s lives are burdensome when they become pointless.  In Jesus’ time as today those who consider their welfare as completely their own doing grow tired.  In time they will find their efforts incapable of providing all their needs.  Likewise, those who seek fortune, fun, or fame as their goal in life will likely find their striving futile.  Jesus gives peace because he promises eternal life where all their needs are met.

So why do we find worship tedious and doing the right thing difficult?  Most likely our own defects are causing the problem.  Limited talent in the community and our attitude demanding to have things our way take away enjoyment.  Again, we must go to Jesus to find in his patience and understanding our way out of difficulty. 

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Isaiah 10:5-7.13b-16; Matthew 11:25-27)

In trying to come to terms with the great evils that have racked humankind, some theologians have concluded that God has no power over forces like armies or hurricanes.  Rather, they say, God only inspires people to carry out His will like a father might encourage his sons not to defile the family name.  However, it is hard to square such a weak conception of God with Scripture as we see in the first reading today.

Assyria is a mighty power in the first third of the millennium before Christ.  Scripture sees it becoming God’s instrument to punish the Northern Kingdom of Israel for the latter’s wickedness.  However, according to Isaiah, Assyria has gone too far in its demolition of Israel.  Now, the prophet predicts, God will call Assyria to account for its excesses.  In fact, Babylonia will conquer Assyria a hundred years later.

When we suffer, we should call to mind that God is in control of the universe and all that is within it.  Although we cannot understand why He allows good people to undergo terrible misfortune, we still can turn to God in prayer for mercy.  We should not doubt an instant that God loves us and will come to our assistance. 

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

(Optional) Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

(Isaiah 7:1-9; Matthew 11:20-24)

Today’s first reading presents King Ahaz of Judah as a fearful man.  Two enemies, Israel and Aram, are threatening to attack his country.  Rather than trust in the Lord as the prophet Isaiah advises, the king sacrifices his son in a holocaust offering of appeasement.  He also seeks an alliance with mighty Assyria. In the end Assyria crushes Israel and Aram, and Judah becomes a vassal state.

This bit of history contains an enormous lesson.  Faith in God and appeal to His mercy is paramount for us.  When we swerve from God’s law and when we ignore the advice of prophets, not only we will suffer but also those around us. 

The celebration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel today serves as a counterexample.  This visualization of our Blessed Mother presents to devotees a brown scapular as a protection against physical and spiritual troubles.  It is not believed that the scapular has any healing power.  But it does express the faith of the bearer that God through Mary’s intercession will provide the grace to overcome life’s challenges.

Monday, July 15, 2024

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Isaiah 1:10-17; Matthew 10:38-11:1)

St. Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor, and St. Bonaventure guided it through a critical period after his death.  At the time there was rivalry between Franciscan progressives who wanted the Order to adapt to the times, and the “Spirituals” who wanted to keep a rigorous poverty as they thought Francis intended.  Bonaventure, the minister general of the order, allowed friars to buy books for their teaching, a ministry that was taking hold.  But he himself practiced simplicity and frugal poverty as a model for the friars.

Bonaventure is remembered for his scholarship and his holiness. He was a scholastic to be sure, but his work is not as reason centered as Thomas Aquinas’.   His fame today is more as a mystic than a dogmatic theologian.  Those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours remember his reflection on the Sacred Heart read on its Solemnity.

Bonaventure’s name is a compound of two Latin words, bona ventura, good venture.  He was a holy person whom every one of us might emulate as a good venture.

Sunday, July 14, 2024

 FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, July 14, 2024

(Amos 7:12-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13)

Dear friends, today's Gospel presents a curious turn of events. It is expected that Jesus will send the apostles to preach the Kingdom of God, just as he has been doing. However, the passage does not mention the Kingdom. It says that the Twelve preached only repentance from sins. Furthermore, it specifies that they expelled demons and cured the sick. These three actions – repentance, the expulsion of demons, and healing the sick – serve the same purpose. They prepare the people to accept the message of the Kingdom that Jesus will deliver later.

We often think of expelling demons and healing the sick as extraordinary activities. But that is not the intention here. Instead, expelling demons and healing the sick are to be understood as references to our spiritual life. Together, they are requirements for living in peace with God and with others. Demons are the errors in our thinking that distort our judgment. Healings can be physical or spiritual, but they always lead us to thank God. Let me try to describe some of these demons and explain how to seek a cure.

In the early centuries of Christianity, monks spoke of the "noonday devil." This demon tried to convince the monk that he cannot win the struggle to live without sin, suggesting it would be better to give up trying. It was associated with noon because at that hour, the monk felt both hot and hungry.  He was inclined to despair of his vocation and to interfere in other people’s business. This noonday demon affects us when we become bored with our responsibilities, whether at work, with our family, or to God. It is expelled by recalling the benefits we have received and giving thanks to God. Also, a look at the crucifix reminds us that Christ suffered much more for us than we suffer for him.

Another demon that affects many could be called the "I don't matter" demon. This demon tries to convince us that neither we nor our actions matter much in the end. Therefore, according to the demon, we are free to do as we please. Influenced by this demon, young men, and even women now, look at pornography, telling themselves, "Pornography doesn't hurt anyone; therefore, it's not bad for me." Another example of this demon is a person who defends his or her speaking ill of another by saying everyone does it. However, these sins, like all sins, corrupt the souls of those who commit them. They make us more eager to dominate others and less inclined to care about their welfare. And who says these actions don't cause harm? There is even slavery in the sex trade, and many reputations are damaged by gossip.

The last kind of demon we will address is, in a sense, the opposite of the "I don't matter" demon. This demon tries to lift those who have it to new heights by telling them how wonderful they are. We can call this the "pretension demon." It urges us to think of ourselves as better than those around us. It inclines us to boast about our own accomplishments while ignoring the goodness of others. One of the best scientists working for NASA, the federal government agency for space exploration, in its early days was a black woman. When she left home to work in Houston, her father told her, "Remember, child, that you are no worse than anyone else, and no better either." This is the best way to defeat this demon: to recognize that everyone has their own talents so they can do things that we cannot.

In addition to having our demons expelled, we want our illnesses to be cured. These cures happen, although they are seldom miraculous. The cures are like those treated in a film called "The Miracle Club" that premiered two years ago. It showed a group of pilgrims from Ireland destined for Lourdes. They all had a desire to be cured of a physical condition, although their parish priest warned them of this illusion. He said, "You don't go to Lourdes for a miracle but for the strength to carry on when there is no miracle." When they returned to Ireland, they were all in that way cured. They all felt more than ever the love of their families. They were all more convinced than ever that God's love will heal the wounds they carried from their and others’ sins.

It is fantasy to think that God will heal all our illnesses. We all have to die one day despite our prayers to continue living. However, the Lord offers us the courage to suffer pain and death for the good of others. In this way, we are prepared to participate in the Kingdom when Jesus comes. May we not have to wait for that much longer.

 

 

Friday, July 12, 2024

Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Hosea 14:2-10; Matthew 10:16-23)

During the Diocletian persecution at the beginning of the fourth century many Christians were martyred. Being found at mass was reason enough to earn martyrdom. At the town of Abitinae in present Tunisia a group of forty-nine Christians were surprised while celebrating Sunday mass. They were questioned before being tortured and executed. One of their number responded to the interrogator: “Sine domininico no pussumus” (Without Sunday we cannot live.)

The answer shows how Jesus' prophecy in the gospel was fulfilled. The Spirit of God the Father spoke for the Christian giving a testimony that continues to inspire more than 1700 years later. What he said was not false or exaggerated. Without the Eucharist, that most receive only on Sunday, our life is in a sense lifeless. The Eucharist forgives our sins, unifies us in love, and strengthens us to reach eternal life.

Unfortunately, many Catholics today do not appreciate the Eucharist as a source of life. They do not believe that the Lord is really present under the forms of bread and wine. It is up to us to bear witness not only with righteous lives but with words indicating our belief.

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot

(Hosea 11:1-4.8e-9; Matthew 10: 7-15)

St. Benedict serves as much as a symbol of Europe as a model and intercessor for Christians.  Benedict in a sense founded Europe by establishing monasteries in Italy which gave rise to others throughout the continent.  The monasteries gave unity to the different lands.  Keeping record of the classical period in antiquity through copying its books for their libraries and establishing schools, they also preserved for Europe its cultural legacy.  For good reason, then, Pope St. John Paul II proclaimed one of the copatrons of Europe.

As Christian culture is being threatened by secularism and even paganism, there has been a call to rekindle the Benedictine movement.  Named the “Benedict option,” young men and women are retreating to the country to form communities of like-minded people where they may raise their families with Christian values.  The movement is not meant to be massive.  But it is hoped that it might nudge youth everywhere to reconsider the fundamental principles of their lives.

We may not be young enough to seriously consider taking the “Benedict option.” But we can incorporate Benedictine values into our lives.  As Benedictines value the divine office, we might consider making part of it our daily prayer.  As they value hospitality, we might more regularly invite people into our homes.  By adopting these practices, we will probably find our lives more satisfying and peaceful.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Hosea 10:1-3.7-8.12; Matthew 10:1-7)

In today’s first reading the prophet Hosea rails against Israel for its injustice.  He says that the more the nation experiences prosperity, the more it turns from its Lord.  The prophet finds little hope for such a people.  He predicts the end of its kingdom and despair for its people.

Modern western nations will do well to see if they are not following Israel’s path to ruin.  Once firmly established on biblical morality, these nations are no longer uphold the nuclear family.  They allow human embryos to be discarded and desperate women to take the lives of the children forming in their wombs.  Many predict that these peoples will experience loss of culture if they do not come to their senses.

Such a warning will be dismissed by some as religion meddling in public affairs.  This is a red herring meant to distract people from the seriousness of the issue.  Obviously, there will be significant changes when a people no longer desire to have progeny.  Other people will come and fill their space.  The loss of western civilization will mean the impoverishment of culture with perhaps great social upheaval.

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Hosea 8:4-7.11-13; Matthew 9:32-38)

Two very different dispositions are seen in today’s gospel.  On the one hand, there is Jesus’ concern for the people who come to him with various kinds of problems.  He casts out the demon to allow the dumb man to speak.  Then he proceeds to proclaim the Kingdom of God’s love by working more cures.

On the other hand are the Pharisees.  Jealous of their authority, they criticize Jesus for his care of others.  They make the absurd charge that he casts out demons by being in league with them.  In time they will collude with other Jewish authorities to have the Roman government execute him.

But they will never be able to stop Jesus.  He will rise from the dead to launch a worldwide movement of justice and love.  We have hitched ourselves to it.  Let us pray that we be laborers who work faithfully and well to bring Christ’s peace to all.

Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Hosea 2:16.17c-18.21-22; Matthew 9:18-26)

Reminiscing about the Great Depression, a wealthy woman mentioned how life was better then.  She said that her family had to share its possessions with unemployed families. The sharing resulted in greater unity and blessing.  Today’s reading from the prophet Hosea promises a similarly beneficial development for Israel.

Hosea sees Israel as God’s unfaithful wife. Although paganism does not exhaust the nation’s sins, it occupies most of the prophet’s criticism in this passage.  Hosea has commented in other places that the prosperity which the nation enjoys has been turned into silver and gold idols. The only remedy for such evil is for God to strip the nation of its riches, indeed of its very land.  In exile she will come to recognize her sins and return to the Lord.

Economic depression and exile are hard ways to learn the lessons of life.  They often create desperation and moral dissolution. We are wise to ask God to reform us in gentler ways.  May He open our eyes daily to His goodness and our hearts to share with those in need.

 

Sunday, July 7, 2024

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Ezekiel 2:2-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10; Mark 6:1-6)

Dear friends, today we continue reading from the Gospel according to Mark. Soon we will interrupt this sequence to consider the important theme of the Eucharist as presented in the Gospel of John. We have the opportunity to do this and to finish most of Mark because this Gospel is not as long as the others. But this does not diminish its importance. With its descriptive style and its focus on Christ and discipleship, Mark presents a valid blueprint for Christian life.

The first reading is set against the backdrop of Babylon. Several citizens of Jerusalem, including the priest Ezekiel, have been deported there by King Nebuchadnezzar. The Lord God now calls Ezekiel to be His prophet or spokesperson among the exiles. God says that the exiles have been "hard of face and obstinate of heart" in their allegiance to Him. For years, they ignored the law and the prophets until the Lord sent the Babylonians to humble them.

Ezekiel will be an extraordinary prophet. His words and actions will open the eyes of the people to the will of the Lord. They will give us a preview of another prophet, much greater, six centuries later. Jesus of Nazareth will have prophecies and deeds that capture everyone's attention. However, as in Ezekiel's case, not everyone will follow him. But for those who humble themselves to heed his words, there will be no doubt that he speaks for God.

Today's Gospel reminds us of the passage from several Sundays ago when Jesus' relatives came to His house in Capernaum. They thought he was out of His mind and tried to take Him away. Here in Nazareth, his own townspeople similarly do not believe he could be a prophet of God. Despite explaining the Scriptures well and healing the sick, they remain suspicious of him.  They are not enthusiastic about hearing God's will or proud to have one among them speaking with great wisdom. Instead, they are astonished, as if Jesus were a fraud or a show-off who doesn't know as much as he thinks he does. They think he is no greater than his mother or h brothers, whom they know as ordinary people.

Many people today give similar reasons for not accepting Jesus as God’s prophet. They say He has not fulfilled his promise to return to take us to heaven. Furthermore, they argue that Jesus' message does not align with their way of understanding life. These people do not want to humble themselves to serve as Jesus instructs. Rather, they pretend to be better than others so they can be served. They do not want to give themselves for the good of others in the selfless love that Jesus has taught. Instead, they want to be gratified with erotic love.

We know better. We know that Jesus' resurrection from the dead has demonstrated the validity of His teaching. Even more importantly, the resurrection has made us capable of being his true brothers and sisters and heirs to his immortal life. United to Jesus Christ in Baptism, we live as a family treating one another with a love that does not take advantage of others but supports them. It is in no way true, as the townspeople of Nazareth would say, that Jesus is not better than others. It is quite the opposite. Please listen now: we are better persons because we are his brothers and sisters. By following in the way of Jesus, we know that he will find us when he returns at the end of time.Top of FormBottom of Form

Friday, July 5, 2024

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Amos 8:4-6.9-12; Matthew 9:9-13)

The two Scripture readings today go together nicely.  In the first Amos chastises businessmen for thinking of profits and not the Lord on the sabbath.  The prophet promises that they will regret their avarice when business goes south.  Then they will look for the Lord but will have trouble finding him.

The gospel shows the Lord reaching out to tax collectors, a kind of businessman, and their responding enthusiastically.  Jesus first calls the tax collector Matthew who closes his books immediately to follow him.  He then shares a meal with the fast crowd comprising Matthew’s friends.  They will not just talk about commodity prices but eventually discuss conversion to justice. 

We are hardly like the businessmen that Amos and Matthew tell of today.  Yet we may let our minds drift during worship.  Worse than that, we may allow our lives to be guided by stars other than that of the Christ.  We too must keep our ears open for God’s word and our eyes open for opportunities to put it into practice.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Amos 7:10-17; Matthew 9:1-8)

In the past on the Fourth of July Americans proudly expressed their patriotism.  Many participated in parades and some in special prayer services to show their gratitude for their strong, prosperous, and free society.  This year, however, patriotism invokes more critical self-examination than celebration.  Americans should take time to consider what is going wrong in their country. Public opinion is radically divided on vital issues like immigration and family.  More worrisome, the specter of anarchy looms with the upcoming elections.

The country’s predicament is akin to that of Israel at the time of Amos.  Today’s first reading shows how the prophet is condemned for speaking out against the injustices of the nation.  He chastised the people for ignoring the poor and following other gods.  Is this not like what is happening in the United States when nuclear families are not strengthened?  Are not the gods of pleasure and of self eclipsing the true God of Israel?

In the gospel Jesus forgives the sins of the paralytic before he cures his lameness.  The United States should seek forgiveness for its wandering from the path of justice.  Remedying the causes of injustice, it will walk proudly again.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

 Feast of Saint Thomas, apostle

 (Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29)

The New Testament leaves no doubt that its preeminent miracle is the resurrection of Jesus.  It does not presume that all accepted that event from the beginning.  Rather, as today’s gospel shows, it shows that even members of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples questioned its authenticity.

St. Thomas demanded physical proof that Jesus had risen.  Whether he ever put his finger in Jesus’ nail marks is an open question.  He may have settled, like his confreres, for seeing the resurrected Christ.  In any case, he likely died a martyr, the ultimate testimony of the resurrection.

The first reading, from the Letter to the Ephesians, underscores the solidarity of Christian faith in the resurrection.  Written toward the end of the fist century A.D., it exalts the apostles who, preaching resurrection, gave the Church its foundation.  It also includes people, believers like you and I.  We not only praise Christ but also extend to the world by the integrity of our lives hope of resurrection.

Monday, July 8, 2024

 Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Hosea 2:16.17c-18.21-22; Matthew 9:18-26)

Reminiscing about the Great Depression, a wealthy woman mentioned how life was better then.  She said that her family had to share its possessions with unemployed families. The sharing resulted in greater unity and virtue.  Today’s reading from the prophet Hosea promises a similarly beneficial development for Israel.

Hosea sees Israel as God’s unfaithful wife. Although paganism does not exhaust the nation’s sins, it occupies most of the prophet’s attention in this passage.  Hosea has commented in other places that the prosperity which the nation enjoys has been turned into silver and gold idols. The only remedy for such evil is for God to strip the nation of its riches, indeed of its very land.  In exile she will come to recognize her sins and return to the Lord.

Economic depression and exile are hard ways to learn even important lessons.  They often create desperation and moral dissolution. We are wise to ask God to reform us in gentler ways.  May He open our eyes daily to His goodness and our hearts to share with those in need.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Amos 3:1-8.4:11-12; Matthew 8:23-27)

Church Fathers from the third to the seventh century read today’s gospel as a parable.  They saw the boat representing the Church manned by disciples.  When trouble afflicts the Church and there are no immediate solutions, it seems like Jesus is sleeping.  But, of course, he is aware of the difficulties and acts to save them from shipwreck.

Matthew might have had persecution in mind when he wrote of the storm.  It also could have been new, unorthodox doctrine that caused the disciples’ worry.  These problems still plague the Church.  We can also understand the storms as personal setbacks.  Perhaps we or a loved has been diagnosed as having a life-threatening disease.  Or perhaps we have lost our job and feel helpless.  Under conditions such as these, we can count on Christ’s help when we pray to him. 

The passage ends with the enigmatic questions, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and sea obey?” The disciples will realize at Jesus’ appearance after the resurrection that he is a God-man.  Putting our faith in him will not leave us disappointed.