Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(II Samuel 18:9-10.14b.24-25a.30-19:3; Mark 5:21-43)

The old man was pleased with himself.  He had caught the doctor billing him for treatments that he did not render.  The man saved thousands of dollars by just examining his bills.  Today’s gospel tells the story of a woman who was not so fortunate.  Her doctors had taken all the money she had without giving her any satisfaction.  She now turns to Jesus in her desperation.

Faith in Jesus moves the woman with hemorrhages to touch his garment.  She knows that it is wrong for her to do so because she is unclean according to Jewish law and touching Jesus sullies him as well.  So, when Jesus’ divine power is demonstrated first by being the source of her healing and then by realizing that his healing power was utilized, the woman trembles with fear.  Yet she manages to respond to Jesus’ call, “’Who has touched me?’”  Her courage wins for her a second, deeper blessing.  Jesus grants her salvation.  “’Daughter,’” he says, “’your faith has saved you.’”

We should not be afraid to come to Jesus when we, like the woman with hemorrhages, have done wrong.  We pray to him for strength and we encounter him forthrightly in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  His words to us will not be different, “Daughter (or son), your faith has saved you.”

Monday, February 3, 2014

(Optional) Memorial of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr

(II Samuel 15:13-14.30.16:5-13; Mark 5:1-20)

A priest from Latin America was about to say his first mass in the U.S. on February 2.  He expected to see a crowd in church as the Presentation of the Lord is a popular feast day in his country.  But he was disappointed when only a few people arrived for mass.  In his homily he criticized Americans for being so lax in their faith.  The next day, February 3, he was assigned the mass at the same hour as the day before.  This time, however, the church had a crowd which made the priest feel that his preaching was effective.  Entering the sacristy after mass, he learned that the numbers had nothing to do with his homily.  The sacristan presented him with a set of candles and told him to bless the throats of the people.  The priest, who had never heard of the tradition of blessing throats on St. Blaise day, received a lesson on American Catholic culture. 

In the order of holy things the Presentation of the Lord -- when we meditate on Jesus as the light of the world -- deserves much greater attention than the blessing of throats.  During the Eucharist of the Presentation we encounter the Lord in his resurrected glory so that we might say with Simeon, “Lord, now you can let your servant go in peace.”  We mean, of course, that we are prepared to die because we know that Jesus will give us his eternal care. 

On the other hand, the blessing of throats, which might be done with the same effect on any day of the year, is a sacramental.  It is meant to remind us of Jesus’ action in the world to save us from sin.  It still is beneficial to have our throats blessed, but it is far better to attend mass and receive the body and blood of Christ.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest

(II Samuel 11:1-4a.5-10a.13-17; Mark 4:26-34)

Although it sounds incredible, modern scholars debate the existence of King David.  Of course, his person is well attested in the Bible, but extra-biblical historical evidence that he lived and ruled is questionable.  The best extra-biblical record of his existence is an inscription found on a piece of rock discovered a number of years ago in a northern city of ancient Israel.  The inscription, which can be dated to one hundred and fifty years after the traditional dates of David’s reign, mentions his dynasty, the “House of David.”  Perhaps a better case for David’s existence can be made from the very realistic experience of his life given in the first reading today.

Although an accomplished warrior, David does not accompany his army in the expedition against the Ammonites.  Whether or not he has grown lethargic in his elderly years, he should have been grateful to God for the victory of his troops.  Quite humanly, however, David turns his back on the Lord by sinning grievously – twice.  First, he commits adultery with the wife of one of the soldiers who was fighting his war.  Then, when he learns that the woman is pregnant, he has the soldier killed to avoid causing scandal. 

David follows the way of all flesh.  He allows his passions to control his judgment and does not flinch at committing atrocity to conceal his lustfulness.  When his sins are finally uncovered, he does show remorse, but that hardly makes up for the terrible injustice and the horrendous example.  His debt and that of all our sins will be paid by his descendent, Jesus of Nazareth.  He is the only, truly innocent human being – one who does not flinch a moment to battle evil, even to the extent of making the ultimate sacrifice so that sin no longer will compel the rest of us.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

(II Samuel 7:18-19; 24-29; Mark 4:21-25)

Ethicist Michael Sandel a number of years ago published a book with the curious title The Case against Perfection.  By “perfection” Mr. Sandel does not mean the human attempt to be virtuous.  Rather, he has in mind the idolatrous quest by parents to manipulate their child’s genetic makeup so that he or she would have apparently perfect attributes.  That is, Sandel argues against the ever increasing possibility that parents may have their child’s genes bioengineered so that he or she is born with “perfect” intelligence, beauty, emotions, and the like. 

Sandel uses the idea of theologian William F. May to make his case.  He says that parenting must retain an “openness to the unbidden.”  This means that parents must not try to control everything about their offspring.  They are wise to leave genetic makeup and, as the children grow older, other aspects of their development in the hands of God or nature.  Of course, parents might have a genetic defect corrected and should promote their children’s education.  But these efforts should not turn into an arrogant quest to produce the perfect human being.

David in the first reading today demonstrates an “openness to the unbidden.”  First, he humbly recognizes that what he has and done are not his work alone but gifts from God.  Then, he expresses his gratitude to God for the bounteous gifts.  Finally, he asks God to bless his offspring that they may live up to the promise of greatness that God has made to him.  Of course, David’s request is fully realized in the coming of Jesus Christ. 

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

(II Samuel 7:4-17; Mark 4:1-20)

In an appeal for simplicity, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” a song John Denver made famous, calls life “a funny, funny riddle.”  In a similar way Jesus in today’s gospel explains that the secrets of life are revealed in parables.

Jesus’ usage of parable seems strange, even inimical.  At first hearing he makes them sound like riddles that are told so that people would have trouble understanding.  On the other hand, parables are known today as comparisons to help the simple-hearted believe in the mercy of God.  Which explanation is correct?  Unsurprisingly, both are.  The parables are indeed meant to help simple people trust in God.  Sophisticated people also may interpret them correctly.  But if sophisticates are driven by the thirst for power, pleasure, or prestige, they will dismiss parables as foolish folk tales and be unmoved by their wisdom. 

Jesus is asking that we prepare ourselves to be receptive ground for the word of God.  He wants us to make its understanding our priority in life, preferable to watching television, making money, or going to the gym.  To accomplish this goal we must read the word it slowly, ponder it carefully, and pray to God to enlighten its meaning.