Friday, August 21. 2026

 Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope

(Ezekiel 37:1-14; Matthew 22:34-40)

If we are moved by today’s reading from Ezekiel, we are not the first to be so affected.  Sixth century B.C. Jews in Babylon heard the words as the Lord’s a promise that they might return to their homeland.  Christians have understood them for ages as people rising from sin to a vital life of charity.  We also find in them hope for the resurrection of the dead at the end of time.

Pope St. Pius X, today’s patron, probably read the passage in a different way.  The Church during his papacy at the turn of nineteenth century faced multiple challenges.  The faithful often refused to receive Holy Communion.  Church theologians were trending toward Protestant speculation of established doctrine. Also, both Canon Law and Church-state relations sorely needed mending.  Pius dedicated his pontificate to reforming the Church in these areas so that it might enjoy ever abundant life.

We also should hear the words of Ezekiel as a summons to reinvigoration. We may be encouraged by a recent trend of young adults to the Church, but their numbers likely fall far short of the attrition of teens after Confirmation or of midlife Catholics losing interest in the Sacraments.  Dry bones rising to new life inspire us to hope not only for eternal life but that the Church might sway the lives of all in the direction of the Lord.

Friday, August 19, 2022

 Friday of the Twentieth Week in ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 37:1-14; Matthew 22:34-40)

Whatever the “Spirit of the Lord” meant to Ezekiel, Christians see it as God.  More specifically, it is the third person of the Holy Trinity.  As the prophet sees it raising the dead to life, the Spirit is responsible for all creative action in the Church.  It moves the People of God to praise, to bless, and to give thanks.  Although many are unaware of its actions or loathe to admit its efficacy, the Spirit has worked significantly within the past fifty years.

The Second Vatican Council called the Church to a heightened awareness of the poor.  The response was significant.  Intellectually there was renewed attention to human rights.  Pastorally parishes united to speak to political powers.  But the movement fell under its own weight as church men and women lost a sense of personal holiness.  The Spirit of God then shook up the base in the charismatic renewal.  Emphasis was given to prayer but, where it took a foothold, also to raising social concern and ecumenical relations. 

We might have to reconsider our attitude toward the charismatic renewal.  Often some among us have dismissed it as escapism into private devotion when corporate action is called for.  Those who know the renewal intimately, like Pope Francis, would disagree.  The renewal, largely led by laypersons, has brought hope and comfort to millions.  As a work of the Holy Spirit, it needs to be appropriated so that vigorous life within the Church can reemerge.