Sunday, September 1, 2024

 Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 1, 2024

(Deuteronomy 4:1-2.6-8; James 1:17-18.21b-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8.14-15)

Today we return to the Gospel of Mark after reflecting for five weeks on the Bread of Life Discourse in the Gospel of John. The theme remains eating, but this time deals with how we eat rather than what we eat. By “how,” we mean that Jesus will outline some principles of Christian morality.

We need to understand that Christian morality is not simply a list of obligations and prohibitions. Rather, it is about following Jesus in daily life towards eternal life. Jesus will show us how to fulfill God’s will so that He may welcome us into His Kingdom. As the book of Deuteronomy states in the first reading: “"Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.”

In the Gospel, Jesus emphasizes some obstacles that might trip us up along the way. He particularly insists on avoiding hypocrisy. He criticizes the pretentiousness of the Pharisees who observe various purification rituals not prescribed in the Law, while accusing his disciples for not following them. We see this type of hypocrisy when some people come for ashes at the beginning of Lent but refuse to reform their lives.

More than just avoiding hypocrisy, we need to avoid other “intrinsically evil” acts.  That is, acts that cannot be justified for any reason or in any situation. The list is more extensive than the examples Jesus presents in today’s Gospel, but his serve as fitting samples: “evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit,” etc.

If it is necessary to avoid doing evil, it is even more important to imitate Jesus by doing good. The second reading from the Letter of James indicates the type of activity Jesus desires when it says: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their affliction.” Consider this true, albeit amusing, story. Once a bishop removed a priest from his parish to work with him at the diocesan office. When the priest reported the news to his mother, he was surprised because she seemed worried. The priest asked her, “Mom, aren’t you going to congratulate me?” The mother replied, “No. How are you going to get to heaven if you don’t visit the sick and bury the dead?” We all need to ask ourselves something similar. “How are we going to please the Lord if we don’t help the unfortunate and the needy?”

Moral life is not easy, but it is rewarding. It allows us to avoid the shame and guilt that invariably accompany vices. It frees us from the selfishness that may seem pleasant at first but ultimately leads to isolation and misery. Above all, through moral living, we come to know Jesus Christ, our greatest hope for eternal joy.Top of Form

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Friday, August 30, 2024

Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(I Corinthians 1:17-25; Matthew 15:1-13)

Students of the American theologian Cardinal Avery Dulles complained that he was a boring teacher. “Dull, duller, and dullest” was how they poked fun at him.  But as to his writing, all must admit that few theologians were as concise and as exact as he.  Saint Paul may be considered a model for Cardinal Dulles.

In today’s first reading Paul says that he does not have the “wisdom of human eloquence.”  He is not just referring to a popular message like achieving success through virtue, but to his own deficiency.  In other places he admits to his inability to hold the attention of the public as much as other preachers.  But Paul knows that worldly wisdom and eloquence do not produce the supreme good.  Preachers of the gospel must first recognize that humility, not power, and love, not luster, join one to Christ.

We are always tempted to pursue the goals of power, prestige, and pleasure.  Doing so, however, betrays our commitment to our Savior.  Imitating his humility and care not only will gain for us eternal life.  It will also exemplify the kind of life that leads to justice and peace in the world.

 

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

(I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Mark 6:17-29)

The novel Lord of the Flies relates how a group of schoolboys survive a shipwreck on a deserted island.  They have to rely on their wits for survival.  At first they work together and establish a rescue plan.  Not long afterwards, however, two factions develop.  Soon members of one faction hunt down those of the other. The drama’s point, it seems, is that people by nature treat others cruelly, at least when no one is looking.  Many reject this base opinion of human nature, but often enough human atrocities occur that defy its dismissal.  The story of John the Baptist's beheading gives an air of plausibility to a gloomy opinion of humanity.

Herod recognizes John as "righteous and holy." The gospel today sounds almost as if he wants to keep John close-by to provide spiritual guidance.  But as aware as Herod is to John's virtue, he cannot rise above his own pride.  Because he promises Herodias' daughter anything that she asks, he executes the eminently honorable man in order to appear true to his word.  A decent person would have apologized for his foolhardy promise and disciplined the youngster for her outrageous request.

We are wise not to deny our capacity to sin grievously and to thank God every day that we have avoided offending Him.  It is His grace, given through Christ, which turns us from wounded human nature into people who love and desire true good.

 

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Memorial of Saint Augustine of Hippo, bishop and Doctor of the Church

(II Thessalonians 3:6-10.16-18; Matthew 23:27-32)

 Of all the theologians of the Roman Catholic Church none has quite the importance and popularity as Saint Augustine of Hippo.  His famous conversion resulted from the prayers of his mother Monica, the persuasion of his mentor St. Ambrose, and the voice of a child.  As he was walking one day he heard the voice say, “Take up the book and read.”  Seeing a Bible nearby, he opened to the passage from Romans: “… put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.”  He submitted to what God was calling him, was baptized, and went on to the priesthood and episcopacy.

Augustine lived in tumultuous times both theologically and historically.  Erroneous ideas were challenging established belief.  Some argued that the sacraments were of no use if one committed apostasy during the persecutions.  Others thought that one might earn eternal life through his or her own merits.  Still others held that the Blessed Trinity was one God with three faces.  Augustine countered these ideas with a rich theology faithful to Scripture and to logic.

In Augustine’s time the Roman Empire in the West was crumbling.  Barbarians from the north invaded Rome and northern Africa where Augustine resided.  Some blamed Christianity for Rome’s weakness.  To defend the faith, Augustine wrote The City of God.  The book explained how Christianity did not weaken the empire but fortified it with social and personal virtues.  Not just the Church but the world is indebted to this great saint. 

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

 

Memorial of Saint Monica, holy woman

(II Thessalonians 3:1-3a.14-17; Matthew 23:23-26)

As a young man, Saint Augustine achieved a modicum of success as a rhetorician.  He headed an academy where he drew several students.  His reputation was growing, but that fact did not pacify his mother, Saint Monica.  More than anything else, Monica wanted her son to practice the Catholic faith.  It seems that she saw material success as the outside of the cup to which Jesus alludes in today’s gospel reading.

Jesus frequently suggests that appearances are not to be judged so much as reality.  The tax collector praying for forgiveness in the Temple is perhaps the best example.  His prayer and not the Pharisee’s who reminds God of his own virtue is heard.  In today’s gospel Jesus condemns the Pharisees’ attention to miniscule points of the Law while ignoring its principal teachings of mercy and fidelity.

Saint Monica ceaselessly petitioned God that her son become a Christian. She also appealed to her son continually that he consider joining Christ.  She knew that Christ was the way to true happiness in eternal life.  To her -- may God grant it so for us as well -- fame, fortune, and fun cannot compete in comparison.

Monday, August 26, 2024

Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(II Thessalonians 1:1-5.11-12; Matthew 23:13-22)

In today’s first reading St. Paul begins his letter by typically thanking God.  Writing to the Thessalonians, he mentions how grateful he is for their accepting the faith and living it with love for one another. 

For Paul thanksgiving is a way of life.  He sees God as the initiator of every good thing.  He knows that griping may draw others’ attention but ultimately creates consternation for everyone concerned.  It is better, he would say, to thank God for the goodness He has bestowed than to grumble over any difficulties He has proportioned.

There is a lesson here for all of us.  The more that we can thank God for the good encountered and even for the evil endured, the closer to God we will become.  Near to Him, we will find happiness.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Joshua 24:1-2, 15-17, 18; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:55, 60-69)

The Olympics left us viewers with our mouths agape. How can Simon Byles jump so high? How can the Chinese lift such enormous weights? How can Noah Lyles run so fast? All the athletes demonstrated the triumph of the body over lethargy and mediocrity.

However, in the end the body cannot achieve what is most desirable. After all is said and done, we don’t long for a medal or international fame. No, we human beings desire eternal happiness. It is something spiritual that knows no end. As Jesus says in today’s Gospel: “It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is of no avail.” Somehow, we must obtain the Holy Spirit if we are to achieve eternal happiness.

Throughout the “Bread of Life Discourse,” we have heard what we must do to obtain eternal life. Since Jesus, the true Bread from heaven, knows the Father and reveals His will, we must believe in Him and put into practice what He teaches. Does this seem impossible?  Well, it is if we were left solely with our own natural resources. However, because we cannot achieve this through human efforts alone, Jesus has left us His Body and Blood. The Eucharist strengthens us on the journey to eternal life just as steak and milk nourished the athletes’ bodies for the Olympic games.

Jesus wants a definitive response from us to His offer of eternal life. Like Joshua in the first reading, no half-measures. Unfortunately, many today want to follow Jesus only until the path becomes rough. Then, like the murmuring disciples in the Gospel, they turn their backs on Him. They are like children who reject a dime to grab the larger copper penny.

Accepting Jesus means following His teachings, as we have seen in the readings from the Letter to the Ephesians in recent Sundays. His command in today’s reading is particularly relevant. Spouses must love each other wholeheartedly, always considering the other’s well-being. It cannot be denied that the letter teaches that the husband makes the final decision. But this does not mean that the husband is always right and should never submit to his wife’s will. Not at all. The two, as the reading says, are “one flesh.” The husband must always take to heart what his wife says. Sometimes, simply for the sake of variety, the husband will submit to his wife’s judgment.

This matter is crucial in a time that elevates individual well-being above that of the family. For example, in some places, schools can dispense contraceptives without parental consent.  In some places today, so-called “puberty blockers” (hormones that suppress the development of natural sex) can be given without communicating with parents. The vast majority of parents want to do what is best for their children. A wise person once said that the best thing parents can do for their children is to love each other. If we want healthy and wholesome children, parents must love each other with ever greater dedication.

Does it challenge us? Of course, but the strength to do so (it’s worth repeating) comes from Jesus in the Eucharist. It is His own Body and Blood that leads us pass the challenges of the world to eternal life.

 

Friday, August 23, 2024

 Optional Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima, virgin

(Ezekiel 37:1-14; Matthew 2:34-40)

Many people noted Rose of Lima’s physical beauty both as a baby and as a maiden.  However, it was her spiritual loveliness that gave her universal attention.  She loved the Lord so much that she underwent constant penances like wearing a crown of thorns.  She serves as a model of how Jesus responds to the scholar’s question of the greatest commandment.

Rose spent much of her time as a recluse in the hermitage she built near her parents’ house.  She also took care of poor children and the elderly sick.  Her charity did not escape the attention of the people of Lima.  When she died at the tender age of thirty-one in 1617, the entire city, it is said, attended her funeral.

Rose exemplifies how the commandments to love God and love neighbor go hand-in-hand.  When we love God with all our heart, we will express our love in different ways, especially by loving other humans.  And when we assist others out of love, we will need to call upon God in prayer for help.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Ezekiel 376:23-28; Matthew 22:1-14)

In the Our Father we pray that God’s name will be made holy.  In today’s first reading the prophet Ezekiel explains how God achieves this holiness.  He says that God will reform those who have profaned it.  He will take His people from the many nations to which they have been scattered.  He will cleanse them with the water of his word and retool them with new hearts.  Most importantly, he will tune their new hearts with a spirit of goodwill.  Then their mercy and justice signify His holiness. 

God does not stand aloof and much less hold disdain for profaners of His name.  Rather He actively pursues their true welfare.  In imitation of Him saints like Mother Teresa of Kolkata are seen as holy not for their contemplation although they prayed deeply and often.  They will reflect God’s holiness by their consistent care of others.

On this memorial of the Queenship of Mary we pray for the grace to practice God’s holiness.  May Mary’s prayers move the Spirit within us to address the needs of brothers and sisters.

 

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 34:1-11; Matthew 20:1-16)

King Louis XIV of France, the Sun King, was once in the country hunting with falcons.  Two peasants were watching the royal party, one of whom was quite taken up with the regalia and the other almost somber about it.  When the king stopped his horse to perch a falcon on his gloved hand, the first peasant remarked how magnificent the scene was.  The second only commented that at least the king’s hand was not taking anything out of the people’s pockets.  In today’s reading from Ezekiel the prophet chastises kings who similarly abuse their offices by taking tribute from the people and ignoring their needs.

Ezekiel’s criticism of Israel’s kings differs remarkably from the gospel’s conception of the Kingdom of God.  With God as King all workers are paid a denarius, the “usual daily wage.”  This amount was just enough for the laborer to support his family.  Anything less may create a condition of misery for a worker’s family.

The gospel invites speculation on the minimum wage.  Today’s labor conditions in a developed country are much different from those of Palestine two thousand years ago.  It would be unreal to say that the minimum wage should be enough for a worker to support his or her family.  However, entrepreneurs as well as the government should keep poor workers in mind when making economic policies.  They should seek measures which promote social development so that people can emerge from poverty.

 

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and Doctor of the Church

(Ezekiel 28:1-10; Matthew 19;23-30)

Today the Church remembers one of the most influential men of the twelfth century. St. Bernard of Clairvaux not only spear-headed the Cistercian reform movement of monasticism; he also advised popes and kings.  His message was so compelling that it brought together the resources for the second crusade.

By the eleventh century Benedictine monasticism had largely abandoned its founding ideal.  A group of Benedictines founded the monastery at Citeaux, France, to return to manual labor and prayer.  The project floundered until Bernard joined it with thirty companions.  The Cistercians promoted not only manual work but also poverty as Jesus recommends in today’s gospel.  They recognized that riches, like power, tends to corrupt and that Jesus called his followers to a life of simplicity.

Many people today pursue a life of wealth and pleasure.  Not infrequently they lose solidarity with both the poor and the Lord.  We must try to avoid this mortal error.  Living simply in the spirit of St. Bernard, we can find companionship with God and neighbor.

Monday, August 19, 2024

Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 24:15-23; Matthew 19:16-22)

It’s essential to understand that today’s gospel applies to all Christians and not to those entering a convent or a novitiate.  All must give up excess affluence to support the poor.  Pope Leo XIII stated this truth in his ground-breaking encyclical Rerum Novarum.  He wrote: “But when the demands of necessity and propriety have been met, it is a duty to give to the poor out of that which remains.”

Pope Leo went on to explain that this is not a principle of justice but of charity.  In other words, if people are to love as Jesus commanded his followers, they must share their bounty.  Failing to do so comprises a refusal to follow him.

We sometimes struggle with worry about “a rainy day.” Certainly, some provision for contingencies is prudent.  Done to an excess, however, we deny the Providence of God.  We should regularly examine our treasures with an eye on parting with some of it for the good of those in need.

Sunday, August 18, 2024

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58)

For the past four Sundays, we have been traversing the sixth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John. This section of the Gospel gives us the meaning of the Eucharist, "the source and summit of Christian life." The first three Sundays highlighted Jesus as the Bread of Life. As he said, he is the bread that came down from heaven so that those who believe in him may have eternal life. Today’s Gospel reading focuses on how Jesus transmits His life.

Jesus says: “...the bread that I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” If we paid close attention, we would have noticed that this phrase resembles the words of Jesus at the Last Supper according to St. Luke: “This is my body which is given for you...” We saw before how the Gospel of John uses "flesh" instead of "body" to avoid ambiguity. Jesus truly offers himself for our consumption in the Eucharist.

It is important to note how the life of Jesus is transmitted to recipients each time they eat His body and drink His blood. Nutritionists like to say that we are what we eat. To some extent, they are right. If we eat fruits and vegetables, we will be healthier. But we don’t become lettuce and tomatoes. However, by partaking in the Eucharist, we are turned more and more into images of Jesus.

It seems crucial to remember what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman in His dialogue at the well: the water he would give her would spring up to eternal life. That is, the water of baptism opens the way to life forever. However, this life would quickly be crushed if it weren’t strengthened by the Body of Christ. Just as termites rot wood, sin deteriorates the soul, rendering it incapable of doing good. It needs the Body and Blood of Christ to resist sins destructive effect.

During the Last Supper in John, Jesus uses a metaphor that helps His disciples understand the necessity of the Eucharist. He says that he is the vine, and they are the branches. If the branches do not remain in him, they cannot bear fruit. Indeed, if they do not stay connected to him, they wither and die, good for nothing but fuel for the fire. We can add that we remain in Christ by eating the bread that is His flesh.

The Last Supper in the Gospel of John does not mention Jesus blessing the bread with the words: “This is my body.” Instead, we hear their equivalent in chapter six.  At the Last Supper, however, Jesus demonstrates the purpose of the Eucharist when he washes the feet of His disciples. The Eucharist not only strengthens us to resist sin, but it also moves us to perform acts of love. The two actions are aligned. If we do not love others at least by wishing them well, we will despise them in one way or another. On the road, if we do not show patience with slow drivers, we may curse them. Didn’t something like this happen during the opening ceremony of the Olympics? Having lost their love for Jesus, the program directors tried to mock him.

Now we have a better idea of what eternal life is. It is to love as Jesus loved. We begin this love here and now through the service we render to others. It is not always easy or pleasant to love as Jesus loved, but it is worth the effort because we have joined ourselves to him. This kind of love does not end with death. It will be the lever that lifts us up from the dead. Then we will enjoy the fullness of love without pain or tears in the physical presence of the Lord.

Friday, August 16, 2024

Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 16:1-15.60.63; Matthew 19:3-12)

Today’s first reading is all about ingratitude.  Ezekiel, in fine poetic fashion, describes how God showed mercy to Israel.  According to the prophet, God adopted the abandoned nation as his own.  When the nation came of age, God married her.  He made her beautiful and rich, but the nation betrayed Him.  Looking at her own beauty and forgetting her husband’s love, she gave herself to others.

In a sense all sin is ingratitude.  God has bestowed uncountable blessings on every human, beginning with life itself.  But humans continually see themselves as their own masters and forget about God.  Many give themselves to idols, be they physical like money or spiritual like the devil.

We owe God continual thanks and praise.  When we perform these acts of justice, we will overcome our inclination to sin.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Revelation 19a.12:1-6a.10ab; I Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56)

In the Olympics the world’s most perfect bodies are celebrated.  The athletes have strained for years to render their bodies exquisitely fit for a prize on the sports stage of the whole world.  Despite all this work in time these same bodies will grow weak whether from neglect or disease.  The days will come when they, like the bodies of all living things, will cease to function completely.  The remains of these bodies then will have to be disposed in some form or another

In the case of the Mother of God, however, the day of death was short-lived.  Her body was assumed into God’s glory because it was not corrupted by the guilt of sin.  She lived a life like that of the rest of us – full of moments of joy and hours of drudgery.  But, unlike us, she never despised another person as not worth her attention.  She never wanted more than she knew she deserved.  She never deceived anyone for either meanness or gain.  Not weighed down by guilt, Mary was granted the greatest prize in the world or out of it.  Her body remained intact after death and entered the company of her glorious son.

That our bodies will also deteriorate and perish need not make us sad.  We know that we have joined ourselves to Christ who has conquered death.  Our bodies will rise again at the end of time with an appearance perhaps not unlike those of Olympians today.  But that won’t be a cause for joy nearly so much as our nearness to him who saved us.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, priest and martyr

(Ezekiel 9:1-7.10:18-22; Matthew 18:15-20)

Bishop Robert Barron believes that right worship matters most in life as it does in the Bible.  He says when humans worship God duly, everything else falls into place.  But when they fail to worship the one, true God, their lives likely fall apart.  Today’s first reading from the prophet Ezekiel shows this breakup taking place.

Ezekiel is permitted to see the occurrences in Jerusalem from his exile in Babylon.  The Lord is scourging His people for having followed false gods to the extent of placing idols in the Temple.  Now the impious are being slain with their cadavers piling up in the Temple completing its defilement.  Meanwhile, those who have shunned the defilement are being protected.

We give right praise when we keep holy the Lord’s Day and give thanks to Him every day.  Right praise is also a matter of not defiling our bodies, which have become temples of the Holy Spirit, by excess of material pleasure.  Right praise is acknowledging that the Lord is the source of our life and its completion.

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Matthew 18:1-5.10.12-14)

The prophet Ezekiel lived at a more critical time in the history of Israel than Jesus, but Jesus’ message is even more urgent.  Ezekiel is commissioned to preach repentance to Jewish exiles under Babylonian captivity.  He will tell them that they have ignored God’s Law to the extent of having worshipped idols.  Now they must suffer debasement to be purified of their sinfulness. 

Jesus preaches repentance as well.  He challenges the religious leaders of Israel who despite carrying out the law to the letter remain proud and contemptuous of the poor.  For this reason he holds a child up as his model.  He tells his disciples that everyone should be as humble before others as a child is before adults.  In other words, they should assist others without expecting a dollar in return.

If we look around, we will probably find many willing to help someone in need when asked.  Such assistance is praiseworthy, but even more laudable is lending a helping hand without being asked.  It’s the kind of thing a well-trained child would do.

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(1 Kings 19:4-8, Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51)

Dear sisters and brothers, today we continue reading from the "Discourse on the Bread of Life" from the Gospel according to St. John. Last Sunday we heard that the people resisted believing in Jesus. Now we read that they are murmuring against him. They have moved from unbelief to rejection. For this reason, the evangelist describes them not as "the people" or "the crowd" but as "the Jews." The Jews will expel Christians from their synagogues fifty years in the future when the evangelist was writing.

From the beginning of the reading, the Jews show a misunderstanding of Jesus. In today's gospel, they say they know his family. That is, they know Mary, Joseph, and Jesus’ other relatives who live in Nazareth. This claim is also incorrect. In the four gospels, it is not the blood family that matters to Jesus but his spiritual family.  His disciples who believe in Him constitute His true family.

But it is difficult to maintain faith in Jesus. In today's reading, the people have to overcome their doubts about his family and his declaration that he has come down from heaven. Nowadays, many do not believe in Jesus because his moral teachings seem extreme. They say, "How dare he say that sex outside of marriage is always wrong?" or "How can he expect us to forgive those who have insulted us in public?" Others do not believe in Jesus because of the claims the Church makes about him: that he rose from the dead and that he is the Lord God.

To nourish the faith of believers, Jesus gives them spiritual food. The last time he will share a meal with his disciples, Jesus breaks bread and gives it to them, saying, "This is my body." It is divine bread that makes his disciples divine men and women like Jesus. They can now trust in his words despite what unbelievers say. They can now explain how his resurrection is a transhistorical event that will not be replicated until the end of time. Then the bodies of all believers will pass from death to eternal life.

Of course, unbelievers will object to the assertion that the bread on the altar is the body of Christ. Unfortunately, even many Catholics think it is only a symbol that reminds us of Jesus. However, in this Gospel according to St. John, Jesus emphasizes that He is truly present in the Eucharist: body, blood, soul, and divinity. He does not say that He gives His "body" but His "flesh." Just as a lion devours the flesh of its prey, Christians devour the flesh of Jesus. This food gives us the strength to advance on the long journey to eternal life. For this reason, we have the story of Elijah as today’s first reading. Just as Elijah had the strength to complete the long journey after eating the baked bread and drinking the jar of water, we can overcome sin by partaking of the body and blood of Christ.

Two more thoughts. First, although the "Jews" appear as enemies of Jesus in the Gospel of John, several in reality became the first Christians. They should in no way be considered enemies of Christians today. Second and more importantly, it is not our faith that makes the bread and wine the Body and Blood of Christ. Rather, our faith permits the Body and Blood of Christ to be efficacious in giving us eternal life. By believing in him and being nourished by his body and blood, we can fulfill his teachings and partake in his life.

Friday, August 9, 2024

Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr

(Nahum 2:1.3,3:1-3.6-7; Matthew 16:24-28)

Today’s memorial is optional, but its saint so closely fulfilled the gospel mandate that it deserves attention.  St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was born and raised a Jew.  A student of philosophy, she became a leading proponent of phenomenology, which might be called a “hands-on approach to reality.” Reading the works of St. Teresa of Avila, she converted to Catholicism and then, like St. Teresa, a Carmelite nun.  Nevertheless, because of her Jewish heritage she could not escape the long reach of the Nazis. She died in Auschwitz in 1942.  Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1999.

St. Teresa took up her cross, that is, her Jewish heritage.  She delivered herself to the Nazis telling her sister who accompanied her, “Come, Rosa, we are going for our people.”  She meant that she would die, as Christ did, giving testimony to God’s love first for Jews and then for all.

Each of us has a cross but, fortunately, not as onerous as that of St. Teresa Benedicta.  Perhaps it is an aged parent to care for or an excessively demanding boss.  Taking it up our cross with patience, we, like St. Teresa Benedicta, will find ourselves in eternal life.

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Memorial of Saint Dominic, priest

(Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 16:13-23)

A few months ago someone wrote on public media that she knew little about St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers, the “Dominicans”.   Not only she but many others have hardly heard of St. Dominic.  But almost everybody has heard about St. Francis, Dominic’s contemporary and founder of the Order of Friars Minor, the “Franciscans”.   It is only reasonable because the life of Dominic was hardly as spectacular as that of Francis.  Dominic never took off his clothes in public, as Francis did, to protest his father’s dislike for him becoming a vowed religious.  Nor did Dominic debate the Sultan of Egypt or initiate the custom of a creche to celebrate Christmas.  Dominic was only a Spanish priest with a dream to evangelize the world and the organizational ability to do so.

Dominic’s dream was born when he met members of the Albigensian religious sect in southern France.  These men and women were scandalized by the dissolute lives of many clerics.  Their outrage made them think that most things spiritual were good and most things material were bad.  They left behind belief in the sacraments and the authority of the bishops.  Feeling pity that they abandoned the sure road to eternal life, Dominic desired to establish a clerical order to preach to them the goodness of creation.  With the pope’s approval, he sent out the band of men he had gathered not only to France but also to other parts of Europe.  In time the Dominican movement reached the corners of the earth preaching that the Son of God became human to save men and women from death because of their sins.

It is said that St. Dominic lives in each of his friars so that if one praises a friar, the praise rebounds to Dominic.  A Dominican who distinguished himself in colonial Latin America was Antonio de Montesinos.  He arrived in what is now the Dominican Republic along with a handful of other friars around 1510.  These friars noted how the colonists were mistreating the indigenous population working in their plantations.  They discussed how to respond and elected Antonio de Montesinos to preach a sermon defending the indigenous.  On December 21, 1511, Fr. Antonio climbed the to the pulpit of the Dominican church in the city of Santo Domingo and chastised the Spanish for their abuse.  “Are these not men,” Montesinos preached. “Are they not human beings like you?  Are you not obliged to love them like yourselves?”

Today we should raise the same questions about the unborn.  Both fetuses forming in their mothers’ wombs and embryos frozen in laboratories possess human composition and should be treated with respect and care. Dominicans in name of their founder St. Dominic have united with popes, bishops, and people of goodwill to denounce abortion and the freezing of embryos.  For them all human life is sacred because God took on human flesh in Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Jeremiah 31:1-7; Matthew 15:21-28)

A doctor was explaining his stressful situation.  He said that he was working too hard, but not for the money.  He continued that he has more than enough money with his debts mostly paid.  He then gave the reason for his intense workload.  There is a great need for practitioners in his field.  He concluded that he would troop on another six more years before he cuts back.  In today’s gospel Jesus finds himself in a similar situation.

Jesus has been busy attending to the thousands of followers who come seeking healing.  To get away from the crowds he crosses into the Canaanite territory of Tyre and Sidon.  But his fame has preceded him there.  A Canaanite woman steps forward seeking his help in expelling the demon possessing her daughter. Jesus tries to dispatch her quickly saying that he came to proclaim God’s Kingdom to Jews.  But she not only persists in begging Jesus; she also expresses faith in him as Lord.  Knowing that the Kingdom will eventually be extended to all the nations, Jesus grants her request.

Sometimes it seems that our requests to the Lord for assistance are rebuffed.  We do not get what we want when we want it.  This should be no reason to forsake seeking God’s help.  Like the Canaanite woman, we must persist in our appeal and in praising God.  God will not fail to answer our prayers.

Monday, August 12, 2024

Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary time

(Ezekiel 1:2-5.24-28c; Matthew 17:22-27)

Christians interpret Ezekiel’s vision in today’s first reading as referring to Christ.  He is God with a human appearance.  In fact, the appearance is actual, not virtual.  Jesus is the humanly enfleshed God, Lord of heaven and earth.  The gospel supports this understanding.

Jesus questions Peter regarding taxes to show that he is the Son of God.  Everyone except the family of the Temple’s owner would be subject to the tax.  Since God owns the Temple, His son would be exempt from the tax.  Rather than cause trouble explaining the point, Jesus just pays the tax.  In doing so, however, he shows his divine foreknowledge.

We hope to remember the divinity of Jesus as we face life’s difficulties.  He became human to share our lot.  Now he comes to support us in distress.  In both bad times and good, we look to him for support and thank him for his help.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

(Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; II Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10)

There are many versions of the story of a non-Christian seeing a figure of Christ crucified for the first time.  In one such story an Asian exits a church in Florence.  He asks a person on the street, “Who is that guy hanging above the altar?” Certainly strangers will have questions for any group whose founder was executed.  It is said that the Transfiguration was included in the three synoptic gospels as a response to this kind of questioning.

A week ago before the Transfiguration Jesus told his disciples that he is going to be handed over to the authorities and killed.  Later he said that they should be prepared for the same treatment.  Now he wants to assure them that such mistreatment will lead to glory not to abuse.  In front of Peter, James, and John, he is transformed to shine like the sun.  Then the disciples hear a voice declaring that Jesus as God’s Son worth of their attention. 

Often Jesus’ cross is called a “scandal.”  It certainly requires explanation.  Jesus’ execution on a cross indicates how people, including government, can marginalize and even kill those with whom they disagree.  For us Christians Jesus’ crucifixion shows the extent of God’s love.  He allowed His Son to die in the vilest of ways so that our sins may be forgiven. 

Monday, Aungust 5, 2024

Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Jeremiah 28,1-17; Matthew 14:13-21)

Prophets were not scarce in ancient Israel.  Evidently, many men and, no doubt, a few women felt a call from God to advise kings and people.  Not all of those called, however, accurately described the present reality or predicted the future.  They were the false prophets, one of whom faces-off with Jeremiah in today’s first reading.

Hananiah, a court prophet, announced sunny days ahead for the Southern Kingdom after Babylon’s thrashing of Judah.  The false prophet said that king, people, and Temple plunder would return soon from Babylon where they had been exiled.  Jeremiah knew that a beneficial outcome would not take place so quickly or easily.  He glimpsed God’s mercy finally winning out but had to announce that Judah would suffer much more before that mercy was felt.

All of us should be aware that our belief in a good and gracious God does not mean our escaping suffering.  Both our sins and the sins of others will cause trouble that we must face.  Jeremiah helps us to remain confident, however, that God in the end will save his faithful people.

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)

The Egyptians placed on the throne of David, Jehoiakim, son of Josiah.  But where Josiah was a reformer who tried to call his nation back to their covenant roots, Jehoiakim was a tyrant who drove the people to heathen practices.  He forced them to build magnificent palaces for himself while paying tribute to the Pharoah.  He also permitted the sacrifice of children.  Jeremiah, a true prophet, could hardly allow this to happen without warning everyone of its bitter consequences.

Today’s first reading represents the prophecy Jeremiah makes against the ways of Jehoiakim.  It foretells the destruction of Jerusalem unless the people come back to the Lord’s covenant.  The prophet says that Judah’s people should not think themselves safe because they have the Temple where God is supposed to reside.  Rather, he warns, having the Temple will be of no more benefit than the Northern Kingdom’s shrine at Shiloh protected it from devastation. 

Typical of a prophet, Jeremiah makes Judah’s destruction conditional upon its not returning to God.  He implies that if Juday changes its ways, it might be spared.  People of western civilization today should take heed.  Unless it returns to the ways of righteousness – not necessarily to biblical religion but at least to natural law – western civilization may likewise be destroyed.