Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(I Corinthians 11:17-26.33; Luke 7:1-10)
One hundred years ago the Church, somewhat scandalously, often dealt with Catholics of a different ethnic origin than the majority community by creating two communities. Rather than one integrated parish, the result was often a rich parish in the nice part of town and a poor parish of African-Americans, Mexicans or other immigrant group on the poor side of the railroad tracks. Unfortunately, a similar practice is allowed to continue today as communities with means resist having a Eucharist in Spanish, Polish, or other language where there is a significant number of a minority people. St. Paul addresses this abuse in the first reading.
Evidently people have reported to Paul that the well-off in the community were separating themselves from the poor by having what amounts to a private party while the poor waited for the formal Eucharist to begin. He must remind the community that the host of the gathering is Jesus himself, present in both spirit and body. In him, he says later in the letter, all are united – slave and free, Jew and Greek, Mexican and Irish, men and women - into one body. Seeking divisions betrays, if not nullifies, that unity.
No doubt, reaching out to people of other origins takes most of us out of our comfort zones. But there is really no alternative for Christians. If we are what we say we are - that is, the Body of Christ -- then we have to act inclusively. We integrate ourselves with others in love and truth to profess Jesus Christ as the one Lord.
Friday, September 15, 2012
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
(Numbers 21:4b-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17)
Beholding jeweled crosses, we may have difficulty appreciating its scandal for early Christians. People mocked the first followers of Jesus when they learned that he was nailed to a cross. We might similarly chide a teenager today for idolizing David Koresh or Timothy McVeigh. In Jesus’ day crucifixion was the basest of punishments the state imposed because it entailed the most gruesome kind of suffering. We would not even consider it an alternative form of execution today precisely because it comprises “cruel and unusual punishment.” Yet the cross is the instrument by which Christ won our salvation.
Today’s gospel curiously does not mention the cross. It merely states that those who believe in Jesus “lifted up” will be saved. In the Gospel of John Jesus is actually lifted up twice – first on the cross and then in the resurrection. Looking on either scene with faith, we find ourselves in a magnetic field dr4awn to the pole of salvation.
However, faith is more than paying lip service that Jesus died for our sins and rose for our glory dead. Faith includes a willingness to follow his ways, even at the cost of suffering. But the purpose of this feast, as of those during Holy Week, is to indicate that we do not achieve life’s goal by our own effort. Rather eternal life is a gift for which we can only say, “Thank you,” to Jesus for his death on the cross.
(Numbers 21:4b-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17)
Beholding jeweled crosses, we may have difficulty appreciating its scandal for early Christians. People mocked the first followers of Jesus when they learned that he was nailed to a cross. We might similarly chide a teenager today for idolizing David Koresh or Timothy McVeigh. In Jesus’ day crucifixion was the basest of punishments the state imposed because it entailed the most gruesome kind of suffering. We would not even consider it an alternative form of execution today precisely because it comprises “cruel and unusual punishment.” Yet the cross is the instrument by which Christ won our salvation.
Today’s gospel curiously does not mention the cross. It merely states that those who believe in Jesus “lifted up” will be saved. In the Gospel of John Jesus is actually lifted up twice – first on the cross and then in the resurrection. Looking on either scene with faith, we find ourselves in a magnetic field dr4awn to the pole of salvation.
However, faith is more than paying lip service that Jesus died for our sins and rose for our glory dead. Faith includes a willingness to follow his ways, even at the cost of suffering. But the purpose of this feast, as of those during Holy Week, is to indicate that we do not achieve life’s goal by our own effort. Rather eternal life is a gift for which we can only say, “Thank you,” to Jesus for his death on the cross.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church
(I Corinthians 8:1b-7.11-13; Luke 6:27-38)
St. John Chrysostom’s last name was not “Chrysostom” nor was Chrysostom the place of his origin. No, Chrysostom means “golden-mouthed” and is used as a way to describe the saint as eloquent. His preaching was also prophetic. In a famous sermon he challenges his listeners to give alms to the poor before donating gold to adorn church altars. This kind of message amply reflects Jesus’ in today’s gospel.
One gospel commentator notes that the so-called “Golden Rule” did not originate with Jesus but may be found in any number of prior sources. On the other hand, the command, “Love your enemies” is characteristically Jesus’. It is unconventional, in-your-face wisdom that challenges listeners as much as any words can.
We may have to look around for enemies to love. We find Muslim extremists who still make war on the western world. In addition, a relative or friend may have betrayed us deeply. Perhaps a talented person rivals us for a job get. Following Jesus’ command, we pray for all of these asking God’s blessing that they live righteously and prosper accordingly.
(I Corinthians 8:1b-7.11-13; Luke 6:27-38)
St. John Chrysostom’s last name was not “Chrysostom” nor was Chrysostom the place of his origin. No, Chrysostom means “golden-mouthed” and is used as a way to describe the saint as eloquent. His preaching was also prophetic. In a famous sermon he challenges his listeners to give alms to the poor before donating gold to adorn church altars. This kind of message amply reflects Jesus’ in today’s gospel.
One gospel commentator notes that the so-called “Golden Rule” did not originate with Jesus but may be found in any number of prior sources. On the other hand, the command, “Love your enemies” is characteristically Jesus’. It is unconventional, in-your-face wisdom that challenges listeners as much as any words can.
We may have to look around for enemies to love. We find Muslim extremists who still make war on the western world. In addition, a relative or friend may have betrayed us deeply. Perhaps a talented person rivals us for a job get. Following Jesus’ command, we pray for all of these asking God’s blessing that they live righteously and prosper accordingly.
Wednesday, eptember 12, 2012
Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
(I Corinthians 7:25-31; Luke 6:20-26)
The man could not stop gambling. He had been in the casino some while. He lost all that he said that he could comfortably afford to lose and more, much more. Then he dipped into his savings. Soon the money reserved for taxes was bet and lost. He could still beat the system, he felt certain. Of course, he didn’t. He went home broke, worried, and angry at himself. This scenario would hold for other kinds of compulsions as well as gambling. People often lose what is very important in attempt to achieve some elusive satisfaction. In the first reading today St. Paul warns the Corinthians not to allow sex to be their downfall.
Paul knows that sex is not intrinsically evil. He does not condemn it, but he expresses his reservations about it candidly. If one can live without it, the apostle advises, she or he will probably be happier in the end. Believing that Christ is to return soon, Paul does not mention having children. All that really matters for him is to prepare oneself for that great event by living righteously and purifying one’s intentions. It is paramount that the person not lose himself or herself in the pursuit of pleasure or in another kind of compulsion.
Although Christ has not returned as soon as Paul is thinking, we still experience a shortage of time if we spend it profligately in vain pursuits. Sex, of course, is a principal one, and this may apply to the marital kind as it certainly does to the promiscuous varieties. Other wasteful pastimes are alcohol, gambling, and even seemingly innocuous preoccupations like acquiring electronic gadgets. We should not judge most of these pursuits as evil in themselves, but when they take control of our good judgment, they will detour us from our goal which is Christ. It is a pity when it happens because Christ brings the deep, lasting happiness that our hearts desire.
(I Corinthians 7:25-31; Luke 6:20-26)
The man could not stop gambling. He had been in the casino some while. He lost all that he said that he could comfortably afford to lose and more, much more. Then he dipped into his savings. Soon the money reserved for taxes was bet and lost. He could still beat the system, he felt certain. Of course, he didn’t. He went home broke, worried, and angry at himself. This scenario would hold for other kinds of compulsions as well as gambling. People often lose what is very important in attempt to achieve some elusive satisfaction. In the first reading today St. Paul warns the Corinthians not to allow sex to be their downfall.
Paul knows that sex is not intrinsically evil. He does not condemn it, but he expresses his reservations about it candidly. If one can live without it, the apostle advises, she or he will probably be happier in the end. Believing that Christ is to return soon, Paul does not mention having children. All that really matters for him is to prepare oneself for that great event by living righteously and purifying one’s intentions. It is paramount that the person not lose himself or herself in the pursuit of pleasure or in another kind of compulsion.
Although Christ has not returned as soon as Paul is thinking, we still experience a shortage of time if we spend it profligately in vain pursuits. Sex, of course, is a principal one, and this may apply to the marital kind as it certainly does to the promiscuous varieties. Other wasteful pastimes are alcohol, gambling, and even seemingly innocuous preoccupations like acquiring electronic gadgets. We should not judge most of these pursuits as evil in themselves, but when they take control of our good judgment, they will detour us from our goal which is Christ. It is a pity when it happens because Christ brings the deep, lasting happiness that our hearts desire.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
(I Corinthians 6:1-11; Luke 6:12-19)
Toward the end of the second volume of his biblical reflection on Jesus Christ, Pope Benedict makes a significant admission. Realizing that the Church is criticized for its exclusively male clergy, the pope admits that women have been Jesus’ best followers, remaining with him at the cross and being the first at his tomb after the resurrection. But, he says, Jesus establishes his Church on the eleven faithful apostles who become the prototypes of its officials. In the gospel today Jesus makes his selection.
There are four distinct lists of apostles in the New Testament -- one in each of the first three gospels and another in the Acts of the Apostles. In all of them Peter is given priority, always being mentioned first. Similarly, Judas Iscariot is always placed last because, of course, he betrayed the Lord. In between are the other ten more or less in order of how much is known of each. Jesus chooses the twelve from a much larger group of disciples, including women as St. Luke indicates later in his story.
We must be clear that women are not ordained because of any defect in their nature. As Pope Benedict implies, they make excellent disciples. Nor should we doubt the primacy of the successor of Peter, who has been traditionally identified as the bishop of Rome. Our Church strives to be inclusive in the sense that it invites all to be disciples of Christ. Some may reject the offer; others may not qualify as officials. But neither group should be forgotten, much less put down. We return to the first with the invitation in hope that they may change their minds. And we give particular attention to the second because they may surpass the officials in holiness.
(I Corinthians 6:1-11; Luke 6:12-19)
Toward the end of the second volume of his biblical reflection on Jesus Christ, Pope Benedict makes a significant admission. Realizing that the Church is criticized for its exclusively male clergy, the pope admits that women have been Jesus’ best followers, remaining with him at the cross and being the first at his tomb after the resurrection. But, he says, Jesus establishes his Church on the eleven faithful apostles who become the prototypes of its officials. In the gospel today Jesus makes his selection.
There are four distinct lists of apostles in the New Testament -- one in each of the first three gospels and another in the Acts of the Apostles. In all of them Peter is given priority, always being mentioned first. Similarly, Judas Iscariot is always placed last because, of course, he betrayed the Lord. In between are the other ten more or less in order of how much is known of each. Jesus chooses the twelve from a much larger group of disciples, including women as St. Luke indicates later in his story.
We must be clear that women are not ordained because of any defect in their nature. As Pope Benedict implies, they make excellent disciples. Nor should we doubt the primacy of the successor of Peter, who has been traditionally identified as the bishop of Rome. Our Church strives to be inclusive in the sense that it invites all to be disciples of Christ. Some may reject the offer; others may not qualify as officials. But neither group should be forgotten, much less put down. We return to the first with the invitation in hope that they may change their minds. And we give particular attention to the second because they may surpass the officials in holiness.
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