Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

(Genesis 13:2.5-18; Matthew 7:6.12-14)

Country crooners are fond of singing, “How could something that is so wrong feel so right?”  They are only mimicking the Christian’s dilemma as Jesus presents it in today’s gospel.

He is addressing his disciples when he lays out the alternatives of a wide gate/road leading to destruction and a narrow gate/road bringing one to life.  Christians are not to see the possibility of being damned only applicable to the unchurched.  They can, like anyone else, lose their way by pursuing pleasure or power or prestige.

We must keep faith in Jesus.  Although it is possible to lead a righteous life without learning of his promises, it is likely our trust in his word that will keep us on the path of eternal glory.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

(Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66.80)

A young man was recently ordained to the transitional diaconate.  God-willing, next year he will become a priest.  He is the only son in a small family, but his parents were not reluctant at all to see him pursue his vocation.  Like Zechariah and Elizabeth in today’s gospel, they are grateful to have a child who will serve the Lord.

John, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, is named not after one of his grandfathers as was the custom of the time, but on God’s order communicated by the angel.  His parents are pious people intent on doing the will of God.  They seem willing as well to accept his destiny of being a prophet in the desert.

Often we make plans for our futures, and perhaps even the futures of our family members, without discerning God’s will.  Yes, such discernment can be both neither completely conclusive nor satisfying, but giving ourselves to the will of God has its rewards.  Devoting ourselves to God brings both internal peace and eternal glory.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, religious

(II Corinthians 11:18.21-30; Matthew 6:19-23)

A wise preacher told the story of how every Christian must carry her or his cross.  Some complain that theirs is too heavy, but when they exchange it for another, they learn that theirs was not that onerous after all.  Today’s saint and first reading speak of two Christians with very different types of cross but born with similar grace.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga came from a privileged background.  He was willing to give up wealth for the strict life of a Jesuit.  However, God called him to Himself after only a few years of faithful formation.  St. Paul by contrast suffered much through many years of rigorist service.  He catalogues his trials in today’s first reading -- lashings, beatings, stoning, shipwreck, exposure to the elements, etc. His purpose is not to boast of his endurance, but to show how Christ sustains him. 

Rather than complain about the troubles we have, we much more profitably should pray to bear with them.  There is usually another bearing a greater burden which may humble us.  But more to the point, our prayers unite us to Christ who always eases our suffering.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

(II Corinthians 11:1-11; Matthew 6:7-15)

A proud Texan was telling someone he met at the airport what a great state he comes from.   He said that it is such a fine place to live that at the end of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings when everyone says the Lord’s Prayer together, he changes the words to say, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Texas.” Not everyone has such a high opinion of the Lone Star state, but there are customs and courtesies there, as everywhere, worth emulating. 

Let’s go back to Jesus’ petition that the earth be more like heaven.  How would it have to change to become so?  Everyone could submit a list of suggestions.  Here are some.  We would study the word of God more and justify our own opinions less.  We would be ready to listen to others’ ideas, slow to endorse them, and reluctant to reject them completely. We would develop a helping hand, a caring heart, and a clean mind.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

(II Corinthians 9:6-11; Matthew 6:1-6.16-18)

When appointing a new church, pastors know how to secure donations.  They inform the people that if they purchase a window or a pew for the church, their names will be placed on a plaque attached to the object purchased.  One might legitimately ask if this custom undermines Jesus’ directive that alms must be given in private to receive God’s favor.

Similar questions may be made of fasting and praying.  This is the same gospel that is read on Ash Wednesday when people demonstrate that they intend to fast by wearing ashes on the forehead.  And, of course, people don’t always pray in their rooms but regularly go to church to pray with others.  Jesus cannot be condemning these practices.  He is warning, however, that if one’s primary motive in doing pious deeds is to win human favor, he or she will be deprived of God’s blessing. 

As Samuel the prophet is told, God judges the human heart.  He knows our true motives.  We may even fool ourselves in thinking that we are doing a truly good deed, when we mostly want to look good to others.  “Then can we ever be sure that we stand in the grace of God?” some will ask.  It would be presumptuous to say that, but we still can live in joyful gratitude thanking God for the sacraments which, received properly, bring us God’s grace.  At the same time we want to ask God for enlightenment about our true selves.