Monday, October 31, 2016

Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(Philippians 2:1-4; Luke 14:12-14)

In the gospels Jesus frequently speaks with hyperbolic language.  That is, he exaggerates to convey his message.  For example, he says, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.”  This should not be taken literally.  It is wrong to do physical harm to a body member unless there is a commensurate reason like saving one’s life.  In another place Jesus says that no one can be his disciple unless he or she hates his father and mother.  Here again he is not to be taken literally.  What about today’s gospel?  Are we not to invite friends to the parties that we host?

Of course, it is all right to have parties with friends.  The poor and the lame may also be invited, but their presence may cause awkwardness for everyone involved.  One might have special dinners for the poor as some churches do weekly or monthly.  Alternatively, one may donate time or money to services that feed the poor daily.

Overall, Jesus insists that we live in solidarity with the poor.  Solidarity is not a vague feeling of concern for the poor but a firm commitment of support.  Nor is it sufficient to define poverty loosely so that the poor are, for example, those who lack meaning in their lives.  No, we must give preferential consideration to those who lack the basic necessities of life – food, medical care, housing, etc.  At the very least solidarity compels us to respect the poor by shaking their hand and talking with them.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Memorial of Saint Martin de Porres, religious

(Philippians 2:1-4; Luke 14:12-14)

Flannery O’Connor describes a vision of saints entering heaven like this: “There were whole companies of white-trash, clean for the first time in their lives, and bands of black niggers in white robes, and battalions of freaks and lunatics shouting and clapping and leaping like frogs.”  The party resembles the kind of banquet Jesus recommends that the Pharisee throw in today’s gospel.

Jesus teaches that the way to heaven is to take care of those most in need.  God’s Providence uses ordinary people to assist the needy.  When people fulfill this plan, they can count on God’s blessing in death.  Then they may not be surprised to find themselves in the same company which they served.

St. Martin de Porres spent his life serving the most humble of God’s creatures.  He not only helped the poor but took care of the animals as well.  He is frequently shown as befriending a rat.  No doubt, he feels at home in heaven where the faithful poor surround the Lord’s table.  But there are others as well.  People like us who remember the poor not just with leftovers but with our heart’s desires.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(Philippians 2:1-4; Luke 14:12-14)

Sometimes people ask if it is a sin to tell your hostess that you liked her soup when you thought it awful. Of course, it is; but bluntness may be uncharitable as well. In any case, Jesus openly tells his host in today’s gospel that he could have done better.

When Jesus chastises the Pharisee for inviting the well-to-do and not the needy, he is commenting on an established practice that remains in vogue today. Some people calculate whom they will invite to their weddings and banquets on the basis of how much money they will receive as a gift or what might be done for them in return. It may come as a surprise that Jesus is not really opposed to the custom! But he would not have his disciples make their calculations not on whether they may receive a fat check as a gift or perhaps an invitation to a brunch at the Four Seasons. No, they should count on an eternal reward for feeding the hungry or entertaining the lonely.

The holidays are almost upon us. Perhaps some of us are already drawing up lists of guests for Thanksgiving dinner or our annual Christmas party. Let us not too quickly exclude the widow next door because she doesn’t have a mate or the man who always comes to church alone because he might be gay.