Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions, martyrs
(Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23)
A Ugandan priest reported last week of today’s feast: “Pilgrims have started walking from within and outside the country to commemorate the twenty two Ugandan saints who perished for standing for the gospel values.” St. Augustine spoke of similar excitement during the feast days of the ancient African martyrs.
Charles Lwanga lived in the latter part of the nineteenth century. By that time Uganda had many Christians, Catholic and Protestants. But its king lived more like a decadent Roman emperor. Adolescents serving in his court were harassed into sexual liaisons. When Lwanga protected some of these youths, he was summarily executed. Pope Paul VI canonized him and twenty-one others who resisted the king’s tyrannical lust.
In the reading from Acts the Lord tells Paul not to be silent. Lwanga and companions heard the same message and spoke out with both words and actions. Their example validates our struggle to live holy lives that give testimony to Jesus’ resurrection.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter
(Acts 18:1-8; John 16:16-20)
Weeping is caused by the secretion of fluid from the lachrymal glands to lubricate the surface of the eye. Exactly why people cry is an open question. Some scientists say simply that it is a response to strong emotions. Others, proceeding from biochemical analysis, claim that weeping removes hormones associated with stress.
From experience we associate weeping with loss of affection. We cry when those whom we love take their leave. So parents sob at weddings, and the bereaved weep at funerals. Because he is about to be handed over to death, Jesus in today’s gospel anticipates his disciples’ tears.
In another gospel Jesus tells his disciples, “Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted.” He does not mean that crying brings automatic relief. Rather he is saying that when we cry in recognition of our need for divine guidance, help is sure to come. As in the passage today, Jesus is indicating that he will send us his Spirit of joy.
(Acts 18:1-8; John 16:16-20)
Weeping is caused by the secretion of fluid from the lachrymal glands to lubricate the surface of the eye. Exactly why people cry is an open question. Some scientists say simply that it is a response to strong emotions. Others, proceeding from biochemical analysis, claim that weeping removes hormones associated with stress.
From experience we associate weeping with loss of affection. We cry when those whom we love take their leave. So parents sob at weddings, and the bereaved weep at funerals. Because he is about to be handed over to death, Jesus in today’s gospel anticipates his disciples’ tears.
In another gospel Jesus tells his disciples, “Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted.” He does not mean that crying brings automatic relief. Rather he is saying that when we cry in recognition of our need for divine guidance, help is sure to come. As in the passage today, Jesus is indicating that he will send us his Spirit of joy.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr
(Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:12-15)
Although there were exceptions, Christianity at first attracted mostly slaves and women – people from the lower echelons of society. These women and men were hardly unintelligent; indeed, they were sharp enough to recognize their innate inability to overcome base desires and demonic powers. Of the exceptions Justin was among the most notable. He had studied all the philosophies known in the Mediterranean region during the second century. Then one day on a seashore he met an old Christian who told him how Jesus had fulfilled the words of the prophets. His search for truth was satisfied. There was more truth to be uncovered, but Justin now knew where to dig.
St. Paul uses a different tack in addressing the Athenians in the first reading. Rather than proceed from the Scriptures, he gives them a lesson in natural religion. He first speaks of creation, then the Creator, and finally alludes to Jesus. The strategy falls on its face. The crowd in the Areopagus is not prepared to digest the idea that someone could be raised from the dead. Paul learns that all the reasoning in the world cannot move the masses to accept Christ. Rather the Christian has to proclaim with deeds of charity as much as words of wisdom that Jesus Christ provides the bread for a more abundant life.
We do well to follow both Justin and Paul. There is value in explaining how faith in Christ does not contradict reason but rather confirms most all of its conclusions. Yet we should realize that our logic will crumble if the goodness of our lives does not testify to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
(Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:12-15)
Although there were exceptions, Christianity at first attracted mostly slaves and women – people from the lower echelons of society. These women and men were hardly unintelligent; indeed, they were sharp enough to recognize their innate inability to overcome base desires and demonic powers. Of the exceptions Justin was among the most notable. He had studied all the philosophies known in the Mediterranean region during the second century. Then one day on a seashore he met an old Christian who told him how Jesus had fulfilled the words of the prophets. His search for truth was satisfied. There was more truth to be uncovered, but Justin now knew where to dig.
St. Paul uses a different tack in addressing the Athenians in the first reading. Rather than proceed from the Scriptures, he gives them a lesson in natural religion. He first speaks of creation, then the Creator, and finally alludes to Jesus. The strategy falls on its face. The crowd in the Areopagus is not prepared to digest the idea that someone could be raised from the dead. Paul learns that all the reasoning in the world cannot move the masses to accept Christ. Rather the Christian has to proclaim with deeds of charity as much as words of wisdom that Jesus Christ provides the bread for a more abundant life.
We do well to follow both Justin and Paul. There is value in explaining how faith in Christ does not contradict reason but rather confirms most all of its conclusions. Yet we should realize that our logic will crumble if the goodness of our lives does not testify to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
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.
(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.
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