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.

Homilette for Thursday, May 22, 2208

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(James 5:1-6; Mark 9:41-50)

Both the first reading and the gospel today demonstrate the Bible’s capacity to use hyperbolic language to make its point. We must remember that such language should not be understood literally. Rather we should allow common sense to question extreme commands and judgments and then defer to Church authorities for a proper interpretation.

In the reading from the Letter of James the author seems to tell all the rich that they will end up in misery. Apparently he believes that everyone with wealth has extorted the poor. Of course, this position is patently false. Still, however, seeking wealth as the heart’s desire runs the risk of greed and selfishness. Everyone – the rich, the poor, and persons in the middle – should become “poor in spirit” as the responsorial psalm says. That is, all people should look to God as their principal resource of fulfillment in life.

Jesus tells his disciples that if their hand, foot, or eye causes them to sin, they should sever these organs. If Jesus meant to be taken literally here, he would be advocating actions contrary to natural law! But he only wants to emphasize the necessity that those with authority in the Church must never lead the faithful astray. By way of example we might say that Church leaders have to avoid giving scandal by keeping their hands out of community funds, by not kicking others with their feet, and by not lusting after any one with their eyes.