Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(II Samuel 15:13-14.30.16:5-13; Mark 5:1-20)
In a movie review of “Dead Man Walking,” Sr. Helen Prejean’s story of accompanying a man sentenced to death, a critic asked the question of the man would have repented of the crime if he were not condemned to die. The critic concluded -- very honestly -- that at least the way Sean Penn played the role, the convict wouldn’t have repented. Although it does not present a strong argument for its existence, capital punishment can face criminals with their crime squarely. Confronted with social outrage, they cannot hide from having done something horrendous. We see a similar matter in the first reading.
David has won many battles but has committed grievous sins along the way. Scripture details his rape of Bathsheba and consequent murder of her husband. Now he sees the upshot of his crimes. His son betrays him, and a bystander condemns him on behalf of half the people under David’s reign. The truth is so overbearing that David cries in desperation and admits his guilty ways.
Yet he repents which brings God’s favor. We all sin, but some refuse to acknowledge it. In not confessing our crimes – sins of pride and laziness as well as the more noticeable varieties – we only deprive ourselves of God’s mercy. Jesus comes to free us as the gospel today ably attests. But we must repent and believe in the good news.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
(II Samuel 11:1-4a.5-10a.13-17; Mark 4:26-34)
The words, “I am pregnant,” can bring joy or misery depending on their context. When a young husband hears them, his heart leaps with hope. But if they are spoken to a lecher like King David, they are wrought with desperation. In order to hide his guilt, David has his paramour’s husband killed. Today it is easier to go after the defenseless child.
Behind the emotions lies the truth about sexual intercourse. As the Church has consistently taught, intercourse contributes significantly to human welfare when performed between loving spouses. Offspring ensure the evolving future, both of the earth and of the Church. They give parents reason for living righteously, to say nothing of the joy the subjects themselves will realize for being alive. Carried out licentiously, on the other hand, intercourse may be initially gratifying but ultimately disturbs the natural order scarring the perpetrators and jeopardizing the welfare of the progeny.
Surmounting the challenge posed by illicit sexual desires requires great fortitude. As we know from the tragedies of kings as majestic as David and of philosophers as wise as Aristotle, it is not readily achieved. But our remedy comes from the gospel. Planted deep within our souls, the word of God spreads to all parts of our being. It makes us as gracious as the mustard tree giving refuge to the birds. It strengthens us like wheat growing tall in the field to resist pestilent desires.
(II Samuel 11:1-4a.5-10a.13-17; Mark 4:26-34)
The words, “I am pregnant,” can bring joy or misery depending on their context. When a young husband hears them, his heart leaps with hope. But if they are spoken to a lecher like King David, they are wrought with desperation. In order to hide his guilt, David has his paramour’s husband killed. Today it is easier to go after the defenseless child.
Behind the emotions lies the truth about sexual intercourse. As the Church has consistently taught, intercourse contributes significantly to human welfare when performed between loving spouses. Offspring ensure the evolving future, both of the earth and of the Church. They give parents reason for living righteously, to say nothing of the joy the subjects themselves will realize for being alive. Carried out licentiously, on the other hand, intercourse may be initially gratifying but ultimately disturbs the natural order scarring the perpetrators and jeopardizing the welfare of the progeny.
Surmounting the challenge posed by illicit sexual desires requires great fortitude. As we know from the tragedies of kings as majestic as David and of philosophers as wise as Aristotle, it is not readily achieved. But our remedy comes from the gospel. Planted deep within our souls, the word of God spreads to all parts of our being. It makes us as gracious as the mustard tree giving refuge to the birds. It strengthens us like wheat growing tall in the field to resist pestilent desires.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops
(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 4:26-34)
Joe Paterno will be remembered as one of the greatest college football coaches. Although his records will be surpassed in time, his standing as a man will likely live on in eternity. Football was not his whole life. He was a humanist, remarkably conversant in Latin poetry; a philanthropist, who donated millions of dollars to charity; and evidently a faithful Catholic, who took Jesus’ command to love seriously. Much about him seems to have been done in an air of humility that characterizes Jesus in the gospel of Mark.
Jesus never shines a light on himself. He never says, “I am the Son of God; listen to me.” Rather he becomes the Son of God for others, a light revealing divine goodness and love. He preaches, heals, and provides people food to eat. In today’s passage he tells his followers that his genuineness should be self-evident: “’Anyone who has ears ought to hear.’” In other words, if you cannot tell that Jesus has a transcendent quality like God, you have defective hearing and sight.
At his best Joe Paterno showed his family, players, and country a little of what Jesus is like. We strive to do the same. There is really no need of broadcasting that we believe in Jesus among friends. However, we want to show everyone that we follow Jesus by unpretentiously imitating his ways.
(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 4:26-34)
Joe Paterno will be remembered as one of the greatest college football coaches. Although his records will be surpassed in time, his standing as a man will likely live on in eternity. Football was not his whole life. He was a humanist, remarkably conversant in Latin poetry; a philanthropist, who donated millions of dollars to charity; and evidently a faithful Catholic, who took Jesus’ command to love seriously. Much about him seems to have been done in an air of humility that characterizes Jesus in the gospel of Mark.
Jesus never shines a light on himself. He never says, “I am the Son of God; listen to me.” Rather he becomes the Son of God for others, a light revealing divine goodness and love. He preaches, heals, and provides people food to eat. In today’s passage he tells his followers that his genuineness should be self-evident: “’Anyone who has ears ought to hear.’” In other words, if you cannot tell that Jesus has a transcendent quality like God, you have defective hearing and sight.
At his best Joe Paterno showed his family, players, and country a little of what Jesus is like. We strive to do the same. There is really no need of broadcasting that we believe in Jesus among friends. However, we want to show everyone that we follow Jesus by unpretentiously imitating his ways.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, apostle
(Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18)
In introducing his new mysteries of the rosary, Blessed John Paul II spoke of the Transfiguration of the Lord being the primordial mystery of light. At this transcendent experience Jesus’ disciples previewed the glory of the resurrection. Saul, Jesus’ persecutor, has a similar vision of the Lord in today’s reading from Acts.
The passage does not say that Saul sees anything more than light. However, it indicates that the brilliance of the light is so overwhelming that it blinds Saul for an extended period of time. The light has spiritual as well as physical effects. Along with the accompanying voice, it reveals to Saul that he has been wrongly persecuting Jesus’ followers. It also elicits an all-consuming appeal. Saul will not rest until he sees that light again in eternity.
The story of St. Paul’s conversion gives us consolation and hope. Paul, of course, dominates the revelation of Jesus Christ, at least in terms of the number of works in the New Testament. His writings indicate that he was so intelligent, astute, and truthful that we feel secure in accepting their message of salvation. They also move us to look forward, like Paul, to seeing the light of Christ. That will both clear up all our questions about the mystery of Jesus and give us perfect bliss.
(Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18)
In introducing his new mysteries of the rosary, Blessed John Paul II spoke of the Transfiguration of the Lord being the primordial mystery of light. At this transcendent experience Jesus’ disciples previewed the glory of the resurrection. Saul, Jesus’ persecutor, has a similar vision of the Lord in today’s reading from Acts.
The passage does not say that Saul sees anything more than light. However, it indicates that the brilliance of the light is so overwhelming that it blinds Saul for an extended period of time. The light has spiritual as well as physical effects. Along with the accompanying voice, it reveals to Saul that he has been wrongly persecuting Jesus’ followers. It also elicits an all-consuming appeal. Saul will not rest until he sees that light again in eternity.
The story of St. Paul’s conversion gives us consolation and hope. Paul, of course, dominates the revelation of Jesus Christ, at least in terms of the number of works in the New Testament. His writings indicate that he was so intelligent, astute, and truthful that we feel secure in accepting their message of salvation. They also move us to look forward, like Paul, to seeing the light of Christ. That will both clear up all our questions about the mystery of Jesus and give us perfect bliss.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop
(II Samuel6:12b-15.17-19; Mark 3:31-35)
Noblesse oblige is a French phrase meaning that nobility entails responsibility. Perhaps St. Francis de Sales, being French, knew the expression. He certainly practiced it. Although he forfeited his rights as a nobleman when he became a priest, he was eventually elevated to the episcopacy whose affairs he conducted with great honor. He defended the Catholic Church in the hostile environment of Geneva and left a rich legacy of spirituality for the laity. Noblesse oblige also applies to King David whom we hear about in the first reading.
David is renowned as a warrior, but he should also be remembered for his love for the Lord. The dance he does on the entrance of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem conveys all the affection of a spiritual sung by Mahalia Jackson. His love for God is even better expressed by his care for God’s people. Every king has a divinely ordained responsibility to assure the welfare of the poor in his land. David is pictured as discharging this duty as he provides everyone with a banquet’s share of food to celebrate the reception of the Ark.
As a political system, royalty has largely ceded to democracy where common men and women share the rights of kingship. Especially those with more than ample means must not forget the responsibility to look after the needs of the poor. After all, wealth is held by individuals to assure its efficient use, but it is meant for the good of all.
(II Samuel6:12b-15.17-19; Mark 3:31-35)
Noblesse oblige is a French phrase meaning that nobility entails responsibility. Perhaps St. Francis de Sales, being French, knew the expression. He certainly practiced it. Although he forfeited his rights as a nobleman when he became a priest, he was eventually elevated to the episcopacy whose affairs he conducted with great honor. He defended the Catholic Church in the hostile environment of Geneva and left a rich legacy of spirituality for the laity. Noblesse oblige also applies to King David whom we hear about in the first reading.
David is renowned as a warrior, but he should also be remembered for his love for the Lord. The dance he does on the entrance of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem conveys all the affection of a spiritual sung by Mahalia Jackson. His love for God is even better expressed by his care for God’s people. Every king has a divinely ordained responsibility to assure the welfare of the poor in his land. David is pictured as discharging this duty as he provides everyone with a banquet’s share of food to celebrate the reception of the Ark.
As a political system, royalty has largely ceded to democracy where common men and women share the rights of kingship. Especially those with more than ample means must not forget the responsibility to look after the needs of the poor. After all, wealth is held by individuals to assure its efficient use, but it is meant for the good of all.
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