The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Romans 12:9-16; Luke 1:39-56)
Titian and Tintoretto are two celebrated Venetian Renaissance painters. Their comparative styles have been demonstrated in their depictions of Mary’s Annunciation. Titian portrays a reflective woman in a well-pointed apartment. Tintoretto’s “Annunciation,” on the other hand, shows a common girl in a rundown house utterly surprised by good news.
In character with Tintoretto’s virgin, Mary hastens to visit Elizabeth who is having a much unexpected pregnancy. In doing so, she does more than offer services to an elderly matron. She quite spontaneously responds to the word of God. In both ways, Mary models discipleship. We too should act on God’s word by offering a helping hand to the needy.
But Mary’s greatness goes further. She proclaims the goodness of God with words as well as deeds. She offers her own experience as a testimony of God’s special love for the poor. We likewise should not hesitate to tell others how God has blessed us.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
(Acts 16:11-15; John 15:26-16:4a)
Since its recent turnover of government, Egypt has been added to the list of “countries of particular concern” published by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Other nations with the doleful distinction include Burma, China, Iran and Iraq. Most of these rights-violating countries are either Muslim or Communist led, but Christian nations have often shown intolerance. In the gospel today Jesus foresees his followers being persecuted. No doubt he would have wept if he saw religious intolerance carried out in his name.
Jesus goes on to promise his disciples the “Spirit of truth” so that, among other testimony, they may bear witness to his patience with people who hold different viewpoints. As he deplores the persecution of those who proclaim him as Lord, he does not intend that belief in him be forced upon anyone.
Today the United States remembers its war dead. Although our country has often mixed good and questionable motives for engaging in war, we say with grateful pride that our soldiers have typically given their lives for the cause of freedom. Here it should be emphasized that the practice of one’s religion without harassment constitutes the most basic freedom.
(Acts 16:11-15; John 15:26-16:4a)
Since its recent turnover of government, Egypt has been added to the list of “countries of particular concern” published by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Other nations with the doleful distinction include Burma, China, Iran and Iraq. Most of these rights-violating countries are either Muslim or Communist led, but Christian nations have often shown intolerance. In the gospel today Jesus foresees his followers being persecuted. No doubt he would have wept if he saw religious intolerance carried out in his name.
Jesus goes on to promise his disciples the “Spirit of truth” so that, among other testimony, they may bear witness to his patience with people who hold different viewpoints. As he deplores the persecution of those who proclaim him as Lord, he does not intend that belief in him be forced upon anyone.
Today the United States remembers its war dead. Although our country has often mixed good and questionable motives for engaging in war, we say with grateful pride that our soldiers have typically given their lives for the cause of freedom. Here it should be emphasized that the practice of one’s religion without harassment constitutes the most basic freedom.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 15:22-31; John 15:12-17)
There is no inherent contradiction in being both Christ’s slaves and his friends. A slave can win the confidence of his or her master to be treated as a friend and even as a relative. Bishop Edward Braxton once wrote an article about a slave in Georgia who labored for a Catholic family. There was such mutual love between her and her masters that the woman chose to stay with the family after Emancipation and was eventually buried in the family plot.
Being slaves to Christ means that we follow his directives implicitly. When he tells us to love those who hurt us, we get past our outrage and at least pray for them. But there is no need to dwell long on our slavery. Jesus has set us free so that in following him, we do so willingly and meritoriously.
(Acts 15:22-31; John 15:12-17)
There is no inherent contradiction in being both Christ’s slaves and his friends. A slave can win the confidence of his or her master to be treated as a friend and even as a relative. Bishop Edward Braxton once wrote an article about a slave in Georgia who labored for a Catholic family. There was such mutual love between her and her masters that the woman chose to stay with the family after Emancipation and was eventually buried in the family plot.
Being slaves to Christ means that we follow his directives implicitly. When he tells us to love those who hurt us, we get past our outrage and at least pray for them. But there is no need to dwell long on our slavery. Jesus has set us free so that in following him, we do so willingly and meritoriously.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest
(Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11)
Although no one should describe Jesus as happy-go-lucky, the gospels do portray him as enjoying food and drink as well as conversations with people. Simply put, he was a person of a wide range of sympathies who could, in the words of St. Paul, “rejoice with those who rejoiced and weep with those who weep.” In today’s gospel we hear him promise his disciples that their joy will be complete. Today also the Church honors a saint who emulated Jesus’ sympathy.
Philip Neri became a missionary to, of all places, Rome, Italy. He arrived in the city around 1533 after it had been plundered by the German and Spanish armies. At the time the Church was controlled more by the leading families of the day than by men renowned for sanctity and prudence. Through personal holiness, study, and a penchant to engage people in conversation, Philip played a significant part in restoring the spirit of the city and proper order to the Church. He founded a unique congregation, the Oratorians, dedicated to giving space for spiritual guidance and discussion. He was famous for his sense of humor and looked for disciples who were patently happy.
(Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11)
Although no one should describe Jesus as happy-go-lucky, the gospels do portray him as enjoying food and drink as well as conversations with people. Simply put, he was a person of a wide range of sympathies who could, in the words of St. Paul, “rejoice with those who rejoiced and weep with those who weep.” In today’s gospel we hear him promise his disciples that their joy will be complete. Today also the Church honors a saint who emulated Jesus’ sympathy.
Philip Neri became a missionary to, of all places, Rome, Italy. He arrived in the city around 1533 after it had been plundered by the German and Spanish armies. At the time the Church was controlled more by the leading families of the day than by men renowned for sanctity and prudence. Through personal holiness, study, and a penchant to engage people in conversation, Philip played a significant part in restoring the spirit of the city and proper order to the Church. He founded a unique congregation, the Oratorians, dedicated to giving space for spiritual guidance and discussion. He was famous for his sense of humor and looked for disciples who were patently happy.
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8)
Jesus uses the parable of a grapevine to describe his relationship with his followers. Just as branches need to stay connected to the vine if they are to receive nourishment so Jesus’ disciples must remain close to him if they are to prosper. Most critically we stay close to Jesus through the Church which guides our behavior and fortifies us with his Body and Blood.
The bishops of England and Wales have just decided to reinstate the Friday abstinence from meat in their jurisdiction. It will mean more inconvenience than sacrifice, but the bishops evidently believe it will bring their faithful closer to the Lord. It should remind believers of Jesus’ death for their sake. Also, it will unite them to Jesus, the preacher. By testifying to their faith when they publicly refuse meat on Fridays they will raise the issue of living for a purpose beyond what is here and now gratifying.
(Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8)
Jesus uses the parable of a grapevine to describe his relationship with his followers. Just as branches need to stay connected to the vine if they are to receive nourishment so Jesus’ disciples must remain close to him if they are to prosper. Most critically we stay close to Jesus through the Church which guides our behavior and fortifies us with his Body and Blood.
The bishops of England and Wales have just decided to reinstate the Friday abstinence from meat in their jurisdiction. It will mean more inconvenience than sacrifice, but the bishops evidently believe it will bring their faithful closer to the Lord. It should remind believers of Jesus’ death for their sake. Also, it will unite them to Jesus, the preacher. By testifying to their faith when they publicly refuse meat on Fridays they will raise the issue of living for a purpose beyond what is here and now gratifying.
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