Tuesday, December 14, 2021

 Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

(Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13; Matthew 21:29-32)

St. John of the Cross lived in sixteenth century Spain.  Buoyed by New World gold, the nation reached its zenith in power and prestige.  St. John questioned the affluence, at least as much as it meant a relaxation in religious life.  Along with St. Teresa of Avila, John set about reforming the Carmelite Order.  Poverty characterized the reform’s exterior discipline.  More critically, the reformers concentrated on prayer and contemplation. 

John’s reform of the Carmelites echoes the call of Zephaniah to Judah in today’s first reading.  The prophet first castigates Jerusalem for wanton behavior.  He complains that the city does not listen to God’s voice but does what it pleases.  He sees conversion in its future, however. In Zephaniah’s vision Jerusalem becomes an example writ large of the first son in Jesus’ gospel parable.  The son claims that he will not obey his father.  Then he comes to his senses and does his father’s will.

Faith calls us as well to reform our ways.  We have to abandon our incessant desire for comfort and to thank God for simple things.  We must also forsake our penchant for entertainment to pursue a deeper relationship with God in prayer.  Prayer and simplicity of life will lead to Christmas peace.   

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

 Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

(Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13; Matthew 21:29-32)

A famous poem tells the story of an ancient emperor.  Remnants of his statue is found in the desert giving his now unknown name, “Ozymandias” (the name of the poem as well).  His epithet ironically reads that he is “King of Kings.”  The poem means to warn people not to think too much of themselves.  Yet they still do.  Most people want their way whenever they can get it.  They want to think of themselves as “King of Kings” at least in their little corner of the world.

The readings today point to a better, more honest way to live.  In the first the Zephaniah prophesizes of the people whom God will allow to live in Israel.  They will be humble and holy.  Because they do no wrong, they can take refuge in God.  In the gospel Jesus tells the leaders of Jerusalem that public sinners more likely will be heirs to this promise than they.  He means to chastise people of power for lording it over the poor. 

We should keep in mind what Christmas means.  God is humbling Himself to live as a human.  Indeed, he lives as the simplest of humans.  He has no armory or treasury.  He helps the poor and lame.  To live the spirit of Christmas we must imitate the humility of Jesus.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

(Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13; Matthew 21:29-32)

The young woman wrote of her conversion.  While in the marines, she led a promiscuous life.  Then she changed.  She embraced the faith of her childhood and now lives it in both letter and spirit.  She experienced a conversion of the type that both readings today relate. 

The prophet Zephaniah speaks of a people who have been purged of braggarts.  They sit humble and lowly knowing both their sins and God’s forgiveness.  In the gospel Jesus mentions the marvelous conversions that John the Baptist has made.  Even prostitutes have changed their ways because of John’s preaching.

As we await the coming of the Messiah, we look for such profound change in our midst.  We must remember that it does not necessarily take place in one great step.  Rather, very often such a change is gradual and incremental.  In any case, it deserves our support and consideration.  We should be asking ourselves how we might similarly advance in virtue so to welcome the Lord.