Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church
(Exodus 11:1-12:14; Matthew 12:1-8)
Thirteen years ago Blessed John Paul II wrote an apostolic letter entitled, “The Lord’s Day.” In it he tried to awaken Catholics to the glory of reserving one day a week for prayer, family, and leisure. He also challenged the secularizing idea of weekend which stretches a day for giving thanks in beloved company into two days or more of pursuing personal ambitions. The letter is vintage John Paul: intensely human, deeply reflective, and devoutly holy.
In the Gospel reading today Jesus provides us with his own reflection on the Sabbath. Of course, for him it is the very end of the week, not its beginning. As in Orthodox Jewish communities today, the Sabbath in Jesus’ time is rigorously regulated: no cooking, no walking beyond what amounts to a kilometer, no jumping or handclapping. But observance of the Sabbath was not always so strict. Before the Babylonian Exile the people were more relaxed about keeping the Sabbath. From today’s passage it can be said that Jesus prefers the more flexible interpretation.
Do we feel a twinge of guilt when we stop at Wal-Mart on the way home from church or go to the office for a few hours on Sunday evening? It would not necessarily be unhealthy if we did. We cannot say that such actions are inherently sinful. Indeed, Jesus defends similar deviations from the norm in today’s passage. But still we should not let Sunday go by without giving primary consideration to Jesus. He is, after all, “Lord of the Sabbath.”
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin
(Exodus 3:13-30; Matthew 11:28-30)
Many people today are instantly on a first-name basis. Perhaps a few seniors are jarred when telephone-sales reps talk to them as if they played cards together. But the younger generation generally finds such familiarity unexceptional. For this reason there may be some difficulty understanding the concession God is making to Moses in the reading from Exodus. When He reveals His name, “I am who am,” we might think of it as God’s giving out His cellular number. Now Moses and the Israelites can call God for assistance any time, day or night.
God’s granting Moses and the Israelites knowledge of His name indicates the utmost regard He has for them. Throughout the Old Testament He will also assist them, chastise them, instruct them so that they might become worthy of being His special people. Unfortunately, time after time Israel will fail to respond to God’s directives. Eventually, however, a descendant of Israel obediently carries out God’s will. This is Jesus, the son of Mary.
We followers of Jesus have become the New Israel. Especially the holy ones in our midst, like Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha whom we celebrate today, manifest a full-fledged adherence to God’s commands. Their stories give the rest of us examples and their prayers win for us the grace of the Holy Spirit. Now our lives may show as well that God has not revealed His name in vain.
(Exodus 3:13-30; Matthew 11:28-30)
Many people today are instantly on a first-name basis. Perhaps a few seniors are jarred when telephone-sales reps talk to them as if they played cards together. But the younger generation generally finds such familiarity unexceptional. For this reason there may be some difficulty understanding the concession God is making to Moses in the reading from Exodus. When He reveals His name, “I am who am,” we might think of it as God’s giving out His cellular number. Now Moses and the Israelites can call God for assistance any time, day or night.
God’s granting Moses and the Israelites knowledge of His name indicates the utmost regard He has for them. Throughout the Old Testament He will also assist them, chastise them, instruct them so that they might become worthy of being His special people. Unfortunately, time after time Israel will fail to respond to God’s directives. Eventually, however, a descendant of Israel obediently carries out God’s will. This is Jesus, the son of Mary.
We followers of Jesus have become the New Israel. Especially the holy ones in our midst, like Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha whom we celebrate today, manifest a full-fledged adherence to God’s commands. Their stories give the rest of us examples and their prayers win for us the grace of the Holy Spirit. Now our lives may show as well that God has not revealed His name in vain.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Exodus 3:1-6.9-12; Matthew 11:25-27)
“If you want something done,” an old adage says, “ask a busy man.” If you are a busy person with tasks piling up, what are you to do? You only have to ask God for help, and you will not be disappointed. As God promises to assist Moses in the reading today, He is always ready to aid those who bring their needs to Him.
Moses’ challenge is humongous. Rescuing the people of Israel will not only mean confronting the Egyptians with what will be the demise of their comfortable way of life but also convincing the Israelites to make a long exodus through the desert. Only a fool or a firm, firm believer would not say, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the children out of Egypt?”
Whenever we find ourselves faced with a mountain of challenges, we need to stop and ask God for assistance. Perhaps we have triple exams on a day at school or a full week of appointments, commitments, and deadlines. It is not time to despair but to petition the Lord to see us through to the other side.
(Exodus 3:1-6.9-12; Matthew 11:25-27)
“If you want something done,” an old adage says, “ask a busy man.” If you are a busy person with tasks piling up, what are you to do? You only have to ask God for help, and you will not be disappointed. As God promises to assist Moses in the reading today, He is always ready to aid those who bring their needs to Him.
Moses’ challenge is humongous. Rescuing the people of Israel will not only mean confronting the Egyptians with what will be the demise of their comfortable way of life but also convincing the Israelites to make a long exodus through the desert. Only a fool or a firm, firm believer would not say, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the children out of Egypt?”
Whenever we find ourselves faced with a mountain of challenges, we need to stop and ask God for assistance. Perhaps we have triple exams on a day at school or a full week of appointments, commitments, and deadlines. It is not time to despair but to petition the Lord to see us through to the other side.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:20-24)
Young people need lots of support. They relish compliments from teachers and look for better-than-average paychecks at work. When people grow older and hopefully wiser, however, they no longer look for incentives from others. Rather, a well-developed relationship with the Lord should provide them all the reason necessary for doing what is right. In the reading from Exodus today Moses is challenged to become wise before he grows old as he looks to the Lord for support in his youth.
Although Moses could have renounced his Hebrew heritage, he chooses instead to defend his people. When he sees an Egyptian punishing an Israelite, he slays the aggressor. Although he does not believe that anyone sees what is taking place, he would expect his fellow countrymen to defend him. But, in fact, they are ready to expose his act. His only recourse is to run away and look to God for solace.
Sometimes in doing what is right, we find people indifferent or even hostile to our position. We should not let them stop us. Rather we, like Moses, must recognize that it is the Lord, not other people, whom we are to please.
(Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:20-24)
Young people need lots of support. They relish compliments from teachers and look for better-than-average paychecks at work. When people grow older and hopefully wiser, however, they no longer look for incentives from others. Rather, a well-developed relationship with the Lord should provide them all the reason necessary for doing what is right. In the reading from Exodus today Moses is challenged to become wise before he grows old as he looks to the Lord for support in his youth.
Although Moses could have renounced his Hebrew heritage, he chooses instead to defend his people. When he sees an Egyptian punishing an Israelite, he slays the aggressor. Although he does not believe that anyone sees what is taking place, he would expect his fellow countrymen to defend him. But, in fact, they are ready to expose his act. His only recourse is to run away and look to God for solace.
Sometimes in doing what is right, we find people indifferent or even hostile to our position. We should not let them stop us. Rather we, like Moses, must recognize that it is the Lord, not other people, whom we are to please.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot
(Exodus 1: 8-14.22; Matthew 10:34-11:1)
A man tells the story of his daughter. When she was a teenager, she became pregnant outside marriage. She wanted to have her baby, but her mother encouraged her to have an abortion. For the elder woman, the girl was too young to take on the responsibilities of motherhood and needed to finish her education. The girl desperately turned to her father who was divorced from his wife. The man believed in his daughter and promised to help her keep her baby. Relieved, the girl said that she had bought a bus ticket to another town in case no one would support her at home. Whether she knows it or not, this girl is following Jesus’ instructions to his Apostles in today’s gospel.
It is not that Jesus has abortion in mind as he lectures his Apostles. Rather, he foresees that his way of life will bring opposition to his followers just as the Pharisees oppose him. When Jewish-Christians are ejected from synagogues in the late first century, some at least will be opposed by their strict Jewish parents. They will have to choose between Jesus and their families; between the eternal life he offers and the relative peace life of following family customs. It is not a desirable choice, but one whose selection is obvious.
Fortunately, most of us today do not have to choose between family and Christ. More often, the choice must be made between Christ and the desires of our own hearts. Will we follow common sexual impulses or will we refrain from pornography and contraception as the Church, Christ’s body and the keeper of his ways, ordains? Confronting these issues, we realize that Jesus does not bring the perpetual peace of mind that we may desire.
(Exodus 1: 8-14.22; Matthew 10:34-11:1)
A man tells the story of his daughter. When she was a teenager, she became pregnant outside marriage. She wanted to have her baby, but her mother encouraged her to have an abortion. For the elder woman, the girl was too young to take on the responsibilities of motherhood and needed to finish her education. The girl desperately turned to her father who was divorced from his wife. The man believed in his daughter and promised to help her keep her baby. Relieved, the girl said that she had bought a bus ticket to another town in case no one would support her at home. Whether she knows it or not, this girl is following Jesus’ instructions to his Apostles in today’s gospel.
It is not that Jesus has abortion in mind as he lectures his Apostles. Rather, he foresees that his way of life will bring opposition to his followers just as the Pharisees oppose him. When Jewish-Christians are ejected from synagogues in the late first century, some at least will be opposed by their strict Jewish parents. They will have to choose between Jesus and their families; between the eternal life he offers and the relative peace life of following family customs. It is not a desirable choice, but one whose selection is obvious.
Fortunately, most of us today do not have to choose between family and Christ. More often, the choice must be made between Christ and the desires of our own hearts. Will we follow common sexual impulses or will we refrain from pornography and contraception as the Church, Christ’s body and the keeper of his ways, ordains? Confronting these issues, we realize that Jesus does not bring the perpetual peace of mind that we may desire.
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