Memorial of St. Pius X, pope
(Ezekiel 28:1-10; Matthew 19:23-30)
Warren Buffet, a very rich man, holds a seminar every year for businesspersons in Omaha, his hometown. People from all over the world flock to the city to hear his pearls of financial expertise. While there, they go to Gorat’s Steakhouse, Buffet’s favorite restaurant, and eat his supposedly favorite meal, T-bone steak and hash browns. They will do most anything -- rational or irrational -- to become rich like Mr. Buffet. Both readings today testify that these devotees are taking a perilous course.
Both Ezekiel and Jesus relate the wisdom from ancient times. Wealth may glitter, but it is not the gold that humans should seek. More likely than bringing one peace, it makes the person haughty and contentious, far from, not close to, the Lord. It is better to seek the Kingdom of God by living honest, humble lives of service.
But perhaps the current generation is better characterized by consumption than by wealth. Young people want to make a lot of money so that they may spend it on all sorts of comforts and conveniences. It leads to the same downfall as the quest for accumulation of wealth. Choosing another option, we should use our resources to become wiser and to assist others in the development of spirit.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church
(Ezekiel 24:15-23; Matthew 19:16-22)
St. Bernard of Clairvaux might have gained fame as a layperson. He was very intelligent and came from a well-connected family. But unlike the young man in today’s gospel, Bernard chose to follow a path of radical discipleship. Wise and eloquent, he became the conscience of Europe advising kings, bishops, and at least one pope. His reward has not just been a significant standing in history but every true Christian’s goal of eternal life.
This gospel will trouble many. It calls everyone out of complacency. Jesus seems to challenge the young man with a call to radical discipleship because he so easily fulfilled the commandments. He indicates that if we are to enter into God’s realm, we must transcend our own expectations. Perhaps the anticipation of making the effort is more difficult than actually doing it. Once we give ourselves over to Jesus, he will support us through any trouble we encounter.
(Ezekiel 24:15-23; Matthew 19:16-22)
St. Bernard of Clairvaux might have gained fame as a layperson. He was very intelligent and came from a well-connected family. But unlike the young man in today’s gospel, Bernard chose to follow a path of radical discipleship. Wise and eloquent, he became the conscience of Europe advising kings, bishops, and at least one pope. His reward has not just been a significant standing in history but every true Christian’s goal of eternal life.
This gospel will trouble many. It calls everyone out of complacency. Jesus seems to challenge the young man with a call to radical discipleship because he so easily fulfilled the commandments. He indicates that if we are to enter into God’s realm, we must transcend our own expectations. Perhaps the anticipation of making the effort is more difficult than actually doing it. Once we give ourselves over to Jesus, he will support us through any trouble we encounter.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ezekiel 16:1-15.60.63; Matthew 19:3-12)
“As for Marilyn, who can match her?” said one Hollywood star many years ago about Marilyn Monroe. Perhaps no other person, with possible exception of Elvis Presley, has attracted so much attention in American popular culture than Ms. Monroe. She certainly was beautiful, but nevertheless she was a tragic figure leaving in her wake multiple husbands and lovers. Reading the passage from the prophet Ezekiel in today’s mass, one may think of Marilyn Monroe as an image for Israel.
The passage says of Israel, “You were captivated by your own beauty, you used your renown to make yourself a harlot, and you lavished your harlotry on every passer-by …” But the Lord does not abandon Israel. Rather despite her sins, He pledges forgiveness and rehabilitation. Later on in the story, God promises to cleanse Israel of its impurities and to replace her stony heart with one of flesh (Ez 36:25-26).
The prophecy is fulfilled with Jesus. He calls his Church from the remnant of Israel and teaches her his ways. He sets her in motion with his death and resurrection. Sustained by the grace of the Holy Spirit, the New Israel will lead the world in the quest for justice. As members of this redeemed reality, we strive to carry out the mission by our care for all.
(Ezekiel 16:1-15.60.63; Matthew 19:3-12)
“As for Marilyn, who can match her?” said one Hollywood star many years ago about Marilyn Monroe. Perhaps no other person, with possible exception of Elvis Presley, has attracted so much attention in American popular culture than Ms. Monroe. She certainly was beautiful, but nevertheless she was a tragic figure leaving in her wake multiple husbands and lovers. Reading the passage from the prophet Ezekiel in today’s mass, one may think of Marilyn Monroe as an image for Israel.
The passage says of Israel, “You were captivated by your own beauty, you used your renown to make yourself a harlot, and you lavished your harlotry on every passer-by …” But the Lord does not abandon Israel. Rather despite her sins, He pledges forgiveness and rehabilitation. Later on in the story, God promises to cleanse Israel of its impurities and to replace her stony heart with one of flesh (Ez 36:25-26).
The prophecy is fulfilled with Jesus. He calls his Church from the remnant of Israel and teaches her his ways. He sets her in motion with his death and resurrection. Sustained by the grace of the Holy Spirit, the New Israel will lead the world in the quest for justice. As members of this redeemed reality, we strive to carry out the mission by our care for all.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21-19:1)
Peace activists sometimes paint shadows of human forms on cement. The figures represent images that will be left after the searing heat of a nuclear blast lightens everything except the spot shielded by the person. This phenomenon actually took place in the bombing of Hiroshima. The painted figures are prophetic gestures similar to Ezekiel’s activities in the first reading today.
Ezekiel takes his baggage outside his home to indicate that someone will be taking a trip. Then he makes a hole in the wall of his home and slips through it to represent the person’s stealthily leaving home. Finally, he covers his face so as not to be recognized. Taken together, the three symbols foretell the puppet king Zedekiah’s attempt to flee Jerusalem when the Babylonians come to conquer the city. Like most of his predecessors, Zedekiah has not led the people in a reform that would please the Lord. Rather he has tried to use political wit to escape the punishment that will be meted out by Babylonia.
God constantly calls us to reform. We must do so to avoid nuclear catastrophe. Such reform on a remote, personal level includes developing the capacity to bear with others’ mistakes and to forgive others’ wrong-doing. If we refuse and become belligerent with every human offense, we are likely to desire that international crises be settled with arms and not by reason. When this happens, the world may once again experience the use of nuclear weapons.
(Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21-19:1)
Peace activists sometimes paint shadows of human forms on cement. The figures represent images that will be left after the searing heat of a nuclear blast lightens everything except the spot shielded by the person. This phenomenon actually took place in the bombing of Hiroshima. The painted figures are prophetic gestures similar to Ezekiel’s activities in the first reading today.
Ezekiel takes his baggage outside his home to indicate that someone will be taking a trip. Then he makes a hole in the wall of his home and slips through it to represent the person’s stealthily leaving home. Finally, he covers his face so as not to be recognized. Taken together, the three symbols foretell the puppet king Zedekiah’s attempt to flee Jerusalem when the Babylonians come to conquer the city. Like most of his predecessors, Zedekiah has not led the people in a reform that would please the Lord. Rather he has tried to use political wit to escape the punishment that will be meted out by Babylonia.
God constantly calls us to reform. We must do so to avoid nuclear catastrophe. Such reform on a remote, personal level includes developing the capacity to bear with others’ mistakes and to forgive others’ wrong-doing. If we refuse and become belligerent with every human offense, we are likely to desire that international crises be settled with arms and not by reason. When this happens, the world may once again experience the use of nuclear weapons.
Wednesday, AUGUST 15, 2012
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Revelation 11:19a.12:1-6a.10ab; I Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56)
Fr. Raymond E. Brown, a biblical scholar, was very concerned about ecumenical relations. He often reassured Protestants worrying that the Catholic Church was making outlandish claims about Mary. He proposed that the Church, at least in the cases of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, declared about Mary what it claims for all Christians albeit in a privileged way. For example, the Church’s doctrine that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven is essentially no different from what all faithful Christians will experience at the end of time. The reading from First Corinthians hints at this. Christ was raised as the first fruits of God’s redemption. The “proper order” that St. Paul mentions would have Mary, the mother of Christ, being raised after him but before other women and men.
Our bodies’ destiny of glory gives added reason for us to treat them well. St. Paul in the same letter to the Corinthians presents the primary reason. They are temples of the Holy Spirit that must not be profaned by lewd conduct. We should supplement his concern for proper regard for the body with avoidance of excessive food and drink. While we are at it, we should also say that our bodies require exercise, rest, and a balanced diet.
A few years ago a report was made telling of how people use their overweight friends as permission for them to pile on the pounds. Of course, the resolution of this problem is not to cut ties with fat people but to model for others healthy eating habits. One more thing, if we want to emulate our friends, we might make friends with the saints, especially Mary. In today’s gospel she visits her relative Elizabeth with all dispatch when she hears of her unexpected pregnancy. She also praises God for all the good that happens to her. Finally, she announces the good news of salvation. Could anyone imagine a better person to have as a friend?
(Revelation 11:19a.12:1-6a.10ab; I Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56)
Fr. Raymond E. Brown, a biblical scholar, was very concerned about ecumenical relations. He often reassured Protestants worrying that the Catholic Church was making outlandish claims about Mary. He proposed that the Church, at least in the cases of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, declared about Mary what it claims for all Christians albeit in a privileged way. For example, the Church’s doctrine that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven is essentially no different from what all faithful Christians will experience at the end of time. The reading from First Corinthians hints at this. Christ was raised as the first fruits of God’s redemption. The “proper order” that St. Paul mentions would have Mary, the mother of Christ, being raised after him but before other women and men.
Our bodies’ destiny of glory gives added reason for us to treat them well. St. Paul in the same letter to the Corinthians presents the primary reason. They are temples of the Holy Spirit that must not be profaned by lewd conduct. We should supplement his concern for proper regard for the body with avoidance of excessive food and drink. While we are at it, we should also say that our bodies require exercise, rest, and a balanced diet.
A few years ago a report was made telling of how people use their overweight friends as permission for them to pile on the pounds. Of course, the resolution of this problem is not to cut ties with fat people but to model for others healthy eating habits. One more thing, if we want to emulate our friends, we might make friends with the saints, especially Mary. In today’s gospel she visits her relative Elizabeth with all dispatch when she hears of her unexpected pregnancy. She also praises God for all the good that happens to her. Finally, she announces the good news of salvation. Could anyone imagine a better person to have as a friend?
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