Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

(II Kings 2:1.6-14; Matthew 6:1-6.16-18)

A generation ago the movie “Chariots of Fire” won critical acclaim.  It told the story of the British runners who beat the favored Americans at the 1924 Olympics.  The drama centered largely on Eric Liddell, a devout Christian.  Liddell was forced to make a decision between competing on Sunday and honoring the Third Commandment.  He did not hesitate to choose the Lord.  Liddell demonstrated the same courage as Elijah whose spirit Elisha seeks in today’s first reading.

Elijah is the paragon of prophets.  He speaks truth to power and exhorts the people to faithfulness.  God favors him the supernatural capacity of calling down fire on opponents.  He also suffers for his convictions.  In asking for a double portion of his spirit Elisha is both reaching for greatness and risking his future.   He too will accomplish great deeds but not without a share of anguish.

Eventually Jesus will prove to be the greatest of the prophets.  He will insist that both kings and commoners observe the true spirit of the Law.  No one will suffer for his convictions more unjustifiably than he.  Without being asked, he gladly sends his Spirit upon us.  We are to carry on his pursuit of inner righteousness come what may.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Numbers 13:1-2.25-14.1.26a-29a.34-35; Matthew 15:21-28)

The movie “Chariots of Fire” features the men of great heart who composed the 1920 English Olympic track team.  In one scene their American rivals demonstrate technical excellence in training.  They do warm-up calisthenics as if they were jet engines tuning up for take-off.  In the end, however, the Americans are bettered by the determined Brits.  Such heart seems in short supply among the Israelites as they hear the reports of the inhabitants of the Promised Land in the first reading.

The Israelites fail to see that they have God on their side.  He has saved them from Pharaoh’s mighty army and provided for their needs in the desert.  Still the people cower after hearing of formidable enemies. They should know by now that it is not any physical advantage that would provide the margin of victory but God’s presence on their behalf.

When we face long odds, we best redouble our prayers.  It is not that we expect to triumph in every challenge, but we can pray that we emerge from the contest wiser, more gracious people.  Win or lose, we remain children of the unbeatable God.  In the end He will be our winning margin.  

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Numbers 13:1-2.25-14.1.26a-29a.34-35; Matthew 15:21-28)

The movie “Chariots of Fire” features the men of great heart who composed the 1920 English Olympic track team. In one scene their principal rivals from America demonstrate technical excellence in training. They do warm-up calisthenics as if they were jet engines tuning up for take-off. In the end, however, the Americans are bettered by the determined Brits. Such heart seems in short supply among the Israelites as they hear the reports of the inhabitants of the Promised Land in the first reading.

The Israelites fail to see that they have God on their side. He has saved them from Pharaoh’s mighty army and provided for their needs in the desert. Still the people cower after hearing of formidable enemies. They should know by now that it is not any physical advantage that would provide the margin of victory but God’s presence on their behalf.

We are aware that sometimes both sides in an armed conflict appeal to the same God for assistance. He will ultimately bring victory to only one opponent. We must realize, however, that winning is neither the only thing nor the most important thing. What looms over triumph is the combination of fighting justly and trusting that God loves us whether we win or not.