Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

After Jorge Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis, a woman who worked with him was interviewed.  She showed great admiration for the man she called, “Padre Jorge.”  The interviewer tried to correct the apparent misnomer saying something like, “You mean ‘Cardinal Jorge.’”  She responded that she had tried to call him that, but he told her to call him just “Padre Jorge.”  Obviously, Pope Francis has taken to heart today’s gospel.

But Jesus says in the gospel, “’Call no one on earth your father.’”  He means that Christians should be wary of titles of honor.  They inflate the ego so that some think of themselves as more deserving of special treatment from the common person.  Jesus is especially critical of the Pharisees who seem to go out of their way to be paid homage.  Could he have in mind as well that humans are not to use the title “father” for their male parent so that it would be reserved for God alone?  That is doubtful.

The gospel today is linked to an Old Testament reading reminding us to repent of our sins.  Taken together, the Scriptures tell us to remove from self-consideration any haughty pride which can grow on us like moss on trees.  Rather than seeking to be named with titles like “Doctor” or “Mister,” we might introduce ourselves simply by our given names.  Much more importantly, however, we are to give ourselves in humble service for the good of others.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Monday of the Second Week of Lent

(Daniel 9:4b-10; Luke 6:36-38)

The man gives God thanks every day.  When he was a youth, he was always in trouble.  He couldn’t stay out of fights.  He was convicted of assault and battery as well as using drugs.  He did a couple of prison terms and was facing a thirty-five year sentence.  Then he was shown mercy.  He credits God, but certainly a judge had something to do with his being given another chance.  In this case the risk proved imminently worthwhile.  The man has turned his life around, married and is raising a family, has a small prosperous business, and is giving back to God as a youth minister.  Jesus recommends such mercy in today’s gospel.

When Jesus says that his disciples should not judge, he does not mean that they wear rose-colored glasses.  No, they are to determine right from wrong, but they are not to condemn others unduly.  Quite the opposite, they should be ready to forgive for any good reason.   Jesus then promises that their mercy will be rewarded not just in kind but with greater abundance.

It is sometimes difficult to forgive because we see it as a betrayal of justice.  Jesus would certainly agree that mercy without justice leads to dissolution just as strictness without justice can end in despotism.  As responsible people, we must promote and model righteous living.  We do that by forgiving whenever we sense a reasonable possibility for reform and renewal.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Friday of the First Week of Lent

(Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26)

At a recently held male spirituality retreat many of the participants were recovering alcoholics.  They had decided previously to give their lives to a “Higher Power” as Alcoholics Anonymous prefers to call God and now were deepening their commitment.  Although alcoholism is evidently as much a physical as a moral condition, AA at least does not deny some responsibility on the part of alcoholics. They must recognize that they have hurt others by their habit and take responsibility for not falling into the condition again.  Today’s readings portray such people as saints.

Ezekiel announces the Lord’s will as the salvation of sinners.  It does not free them from responsibility but urges them to reform.  Their reward, it says, will be “life.”  In the gospel Jesus teaches his disciples that they must seek forgiveness from those they have offended for their altar sacrifice to be worthy.

It is not easy to recognize our sins and even harder to seek the forgiveness of others.  Yet both chores are at the heart of Christian faith.  If we are going to walk with Jesus, we must act so that our sins are forgiven.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(Esther C:12.14-16.23-25; Matthew 7:7-12)

Rabbi’s Harold Kushner best-seller When Bad Things Happen to Good People pictures an almost impotent God who helps people by inspiring them to work together.  Prayer to such a deity, it claims, gives one occasion to think about what must be done to improve the situation herself.  The book seems to say that any hope that the situation may be modified that goes beyond human will and perhaps chance is wishful thinking.  Is there any way to reconcile such thinking to the Scripture readings today?

Jesus assures his disciples in today’s gospel that God listens to prayers like an indulgent father attends to the pleas of his children.  Queen Esther in the Old Testament selection demonstrates the proper stance vis-à-vis the Lord as she throws herself to the ground in supplication.  In both cases God is considered as the real cause of change.  Both readings claim that God can be counted on for assistance.

“Then why are not all prayers answered?” some will retort.  This is an earnest question which may be called “the mystery of God’s silence.”  Its answer is steeped in tradition although it will not satisfy everyone.  It insists that we must acknowledge God in faith even though we will never understand all His ways.  Just as He has been actively present to us countless times, He can withhold any recognizable response.  Still we can be sure that He has heard our plea and will act on our behalf although when and how may not be forthcoming.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Wednesday of the First Week in Lent

(Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32)

Enter into almost any doctor’s office, and you will be asked for a sign.  The attendant will want to see your insurance card guaranteeing the doctor will be paid.  You can tell the person that you have plenty of money to cover the doctor’s fee, but he will not believe you.  In today’s gospel Jesus chastises the people for a similar lack of faith.

The people want Jesus to produce miracles on demand before they believe in him.  Jesus is telling them that this is not God’s way.  He says that just as the Ninevites believed Jonah’s prophecy that God was ready to destroy them, Jews should believe his message.  Of course, Jesus wants them to reform for a very different reason.  Rather than touting God’s wrath, Jesus is saying that God is at hand dispensing mercy.

 It is hard for many of us to trust.  Perhaps we have been abused by someone we once loved.  But, as Jesus indicates, there is plenty of reason to do so.  We have life and likely more than enough to eat.  We probably have had at least one parent who would have died for us and friends who are willing to help meet our needs.  These are all signs of a sort indicating God’s presence.  But some still hold out saying that they require miracles on demand before they will believe.