(Genesis 1-2)
Although their customs are changing, Italians have a lovely saying reserved for Fridays. They wish one another a “Buona Domenica!” The words mean simply, “Have a Good Sunday!” Since Sunday in Italy is preeminently the day on which families come together at mama’s table, the words express their hopes that colleagues enjoy their meal with parents, sisters, brother, nephews, nieces as well as children, aunts and uncles. Of course, traditionally Italians go to church on Sunday and this custom has not been completely lost. So “Buona Domenica” also gives hope that the people will find the meeting with God and neighbor at Sunday Mass satisfying.
The reading from Genesis lays the foundation for our Sunday observances. On this day, it says, the Lord rested from all the work He had done in creation. Of course, Genesis refers to the Sabbath, which is the seventh day or Saturday. Christianity changed the day of rest and worship to Sunday out of deference to Christ’s resurrection. But it meant to retain the same kind of release from daily activity that the Jews have observed on the Sabbath since antiquity. Perhaps Americans, who have made work less back-breaking although just as absorbing as planting fields, are the leading culprits in both stretching Sunday’s rest into the two-day weekend and then cheating by working on both days.
In his pastoral letter entitled “The Lord’s Day” Pope John Paul II lamented how the joys of the Sunday – rest, family, worship – were being turned into frenetic weekend activity around the world. The beloved Pope urged Catholics to resist this temptaion. He believed that we can please God more faithfully and enjoy life more fully by praying, relaxing, and reuniting with the family on Sunday, the Lord’s Day.
Homiliette for Monday, Febraur 7, 2007
(Genesis 1)
There is nothing new about global warming. In its billions of years the earth has warmed and cooled many times over. For this reasons there are petroleum deposits made from a vigorous vegetable life under the frozen tundra of Alaska. What is new is the hand humans have played in the current warming trend. Scientists seem convinced that human’s burning fossil fuels have catalyzed the heating of the earth’s atmosphere. They also tell us that the situation may be stabilized if humans throughout the world act in a decisive way.
The story of creation in Genesis today reiterates how God created everything good. After He makes light, Genesis says, “God saw how good the light was.” After He separates the land from the sea, Genesis repeats, “God saw how good it was.” And so also, after God created plants and trees and after He created the heavenly lights, He calls them good. In the next chapters Genesis will show how these elements turn against humans because of human sinfulness. Floods and draughts, earthquakes and hurricanes are the result of human folly, according to Genesis.
We might dismiss Genesis and say that it is impossible for humans to cause an earthquake. Or we might take it to heart. Doing the latter will move us to heed the call of scientists to curtail our use of fossil fuel. If we do not do cut down on energy, the link between human sinfulness and the rebellion of nature, as Genesis shows, will be even more clearly seen.
There is nothing new about global warming. In its billions of years the earth has warmed and cooled many times over. For this reasons there are petroleum deposits made from a vigorous vegetable life under the frozen tundra of Alaska. What is new is the hand humans have played in the current warming trend. Scientists seem convinced that human’s burning fossil fuels have catalyzed the heating of the earth’s atmosphere. They also tell us that the situation may be stabilized if humans throughout the world act in a decisive way.
The story of creation in Genesis today reiterates how God created everything good. After He makes light, Genesis says, “God saw how good the light was.” After He separates the land from the sea, Genesis repeats, “God saw how good it was.” And so also, after God created plants and trees and after He created the heavenly lights, He calls them good. In the next chapters Genesis will show how these elements turn against humans because of human sinfulness. Floods and draughts, earthquakes and hurricanes are the result of human folly, according to Genesis.
We might dismiss Genesis and say that it is impossible for humans to cause an earthquake. Or we might take it to heart. Doing the latter will move us to heed the call of scientists to curtail our use of fossil fuel. If we do not do cut down on energy, the link between human sinfulness and the rebellion of nature, as Genesis shows, will be even more clearly seen.
Reflection for Friday, February 2, 2007
Yesterday morning’s San Francisco Chronicle reported that the mayor of the city had an adulterous relationship with his campaign manager’s wife. The campaign manager, quite justifiably, resigned after finding out about the affair, which took place a couple of years ago. The pastor of our church said that he felt sorry for the mayor. I think the more appropriate reaction is controlled anger.
As in the case of Bill Clinton a decade ago, this adultery will erode both public morality and confidence in government. Marriage at its base is a covenant between two people to be faithful to and supportive of one another. Any adultery is scandalous as it gives tacit encouragement to others to break these marriage promises. But it is more harmful if the people involved are well-known since more people will be nudged toward infidelity. Also, public officials are elected partly because of their character, i.e., the conformity of their actions to their beliefs. When they act contrary to their oaths in private matters, they may be suspected of infringing upon their commitments in public matters. Thus, people will lose trust in government to look judiciously after the common good.
We sometimes use the term “die of shame,” but the words have lost their meaning. Of course, one does not literally die of shame, but in better times when people were caught acting irresponsibly, they might have removed themselves from public view. We can expect an apology from the mayor. He will mean, of course, that he is sorry to have been found out. He will not die of shame and, who knows, might even seek re-election after claiming the affair an indiscretion that won’t happen again. But this stance is hardly sufficient. It would be much more helpful if the mayor resign from office immediately. Such humility would signify to everyone not only the importance of keeping one’s word but also a respect for public service. It would also indicate that the mayor retains at least a modicum of character.
As in the case of Bill Clinton a decade ago, this adultery will erode both public morality and confidence in government. Marriage at its base is a covenant between two people to be faithful to and supportive of one another. Any adultery is scandalous as it gives tacit encouragement to others to break these marriage promises. But it is more harmful if the people involved are well-known since more people will be nudged toward infidelity. Also, public officials are elected partly because of their character, i.e., the conformity of their actions to their beliefs. When they act contrary to their oaths in private matters, they may be suspected of infringing upon their commitments in public matters. Thus, people will lose trust in government to look judiciously after the common good.
We sometimes use the term “die of shame,” but the words have lost their meaning. Of course, one does not literally die of shame, but in better times when people were caught acting irresponsibly, they might have removed themselves from public view. We can expect an apology from the mayor. He will mean, of course, that he is sorry to have been found out. He will not die of shame and, who knows, might even seek re-election after claiming the affair an indiscretion that won’t happen again. But this stance is hardly sufficient. It would be much more helpful if the mayor resign from office immediately. Such humility would signify to everyone not only the importance of keeping one’s word but also a respect for public service. It would also indicate that the mayor retains at least a modicum of character.
Homilette for thursday, February 1, 2007
(Hebrews 12)
Ken Untener was the bishop of Saginaw, Michigan. His episcopacy was legendary. For a long time he refused to have a permanent residence; rather, he would circulate around the different parishes of his diocese staying in their rectories in order to get to know the people. He not only preached well, but he also memorized the gospel – sometimes giving his homily as a few comments before a dramatic recitation of the gospel by heart. Bishop Untener also gave workshops to priests on preaching around the country. He told them that their homilies should not last longer than four minutes. Why only four minutes? Because, he said, Mass in a Catholic church has much that speaks to the people besides the homily. The readings themselves are often self-evident. The stained glass windows tell their stories. The hymns relate a message. The prayers convey much meaning.
The Letter to the Hebrews today refers to of the Christian liturgical assembly – what we call the Mass. Like Bishop Untener’s description, it speaks of it as a setting of peace and light. It is where, most of all, we meet Christ who comes to save us, not to condemn us. The Christian assembly differs dramatically from the Hebrew assembly in the desert. That was a terrifying experience where God had to soften and shape an unruly lot. We can be grateful that we were not part of it.
I know that I am speaking to the choir, but even we can grow weary of Mass. It is possible – better people than we have done it – that one Sunday we just not come and then allow that irregularity to become the norm. It would be a tragic mistake worse than riding in a car with bad brakes. It is not that everyone in church is a saint, but here we come to remind ourselves that sainthood is our destiny. Even more importantly, here we hear the Word of God and receive His nourishment so that we may become what we are destined to be.
Ken Untener was the bishop of Saginaw, Michigan. His episcopacy was legendary. For a long time he refused to have a permanent residence; rather, he would circulate around the different parishes of his diocese staying in their rectories in order to get to know the people. He not only preached well, but he also memorized the gospel – sometimes giving his homily as a few comments before a dramatic recitation of the gospel by heart. Bishop Untener also gave workshops to priests on preaching around the country. He told them that their homilies should not last longer than four minutes. Why only four minutes? Because, he said, Mass in a Catholic church has much that speaks to the people besides the homily. The readings themselves are often self-evident. The stained glass windows tell their stories. The hymns relate a message. The prayers convey much meaning.
The Letter to the Hebrews today refers to of the Christian liturgical assembly – what we call the Mass. Like Bishop Untener’s description, it speaks of it as a setting of peace and light. It is where, most of all, we meet Christ who comes to save us, not to condemn us. The Christian assembly differs dramatically from the Hebrew assembly in the desert. That was a terrifying experience where God had to soften and shape an unruly lot. We can be grateful that we were not part of it.
I know that I am speaking to the choir, but even we can grow weary of Mass. It is possible – better people than we have done it – that one Sunday we just not come and then allow that irregularity to become the norm. It would be a tragic mistake worse than riding in a car with bad brakes. It is not that everyone in church is a saint, but here we come to remind ourselves that sainthood is our destiny. Even more importantly, here we hear the Word of God and receive His nourishment so that we may become what we are destined to be.
Reflection for Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Making Moral Decisions
Today a typical moral dilemma arose when I was trying to screw on the protective shield under my car. The last screw that I had would not tighten. I did not want to leave it loose because it might fall out and become a minor road hazard. Once I caught a similar screw in my tire which required a repair.
But try as I might, it would not tighten. And it was difficult to maneuver since I was lying down without much room -- no more than a foot. What should I have done? Take the screw out of the hole and search for another? But I had already gone to a car repair and twice to a hardware store to find the screws that I had. Or should I have taken the chance that the screw would not come out? It was snug although I could not get it tight like the others.
The situation approximates many in our moral lives. We are not certain if what we do will cause harm. Perhaps it might, but perhaps we just worry too much! There was no one to check with. And the possible harm was not certain and probably not serious.
Finally, I let the screw stay where it was. I also said a prayer which should accompany any troubling decision. We pray that we do no harm and, as a corollary, that we are not deceiving ourselves. Tomorrow I will check to see if the screw held. I also might try replacing the simple screw with a screw and bolt. I think that my conscinece will allow me to sleep tonight.
Today a typical moral dilemma arose when I was trying to screw on the protective shield under my car. The last screw that I had would not tighten. I did not want to leave it loose because it might fall out and become a minor road hazard. Once I caught a similar screw in my tire which required a repair.
But try as I might, it would not tighten. And it was difficult to maneuver since I was lying down without much room -- no more than a foot. What should I have done? Take the screw out of the hole and search for another? But I had already gone to a car repair and twice to a hardware store to find the screws that I had. Or should I have taken the chance that the screw would not come out? It was snug although I could not get it tight like the others.
The situation approximates many in our moral lives. We are not certain if what we do will cause harm. Perhaps it might, but perhaps we just worry too much! There was no one to check with. And the possible harm was not certain and probably not serious.
Finally, I let the screw stay where it was. I also said a prayer which should accompany any troubling decision. We pray that we do no harm and, as a corollary, that we are not deceiving ourselves. Tomorrow I will check to see if the screw held. I also might try replacing the simple screw with a screw and bolt. I think that my conscinece will allow me to sleep tonight.
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