Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

(Exodus 16:1-5.9-16; John 20:1-2.11-18)

In one of the most touching scenes in literature Hector, the Trojan prince, visits his family before going off to battle.  His wife takes his hand and implores him to stay with them rather than back to war.  But Hector’s sense of duty compels him to fight on.  Today’s gospel showing Mary Magdalene’s clinging to Jesus parallels the passion of the ancient Greek drama.

Jesus’ words to Mary, “Stop holding on to me,” indicate both Mary’s affection for the Lord and also her incomplete understanding of his resurrection.  He has overcome death, but he will not return to his disciples as a permanent, enfleshed companion.  Rather he will ascend to his Father so that they may receive the Holy Spirit.  Recognizing this truth, Mary dutifully proclaims Jesus’ resurrection.

We too have received the Holy Spirit.  Like Mary we love the Lord and long to touch his incarnate flesh.  But for now, again like Mary, we are content to proclaim his resurrection.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 14:21-15:1; Matthew 12:46-30)

“Parish Renewal” was developed over thirty-five years ago to evangelize people already going to church.  At one point in the weekend retreat where unity is being emphasized the pastor is scripted to say, “Blood is thicker than water.” “How do we share the same blood?” the parishioners wonder.  The pastor then explains, “We all drink the blood of Christ.”

Jesus emphasizes the unity of his disciples with him in today’s gospel.  Even closer than his blood relatives, he implies, are those who accept God as Father.  They have assimilated his message.  They can be counted upon to assist the poor with whom Jesus especially identifies with.

God has given us virtual brothers and sisters in the Church who make life enjoyable and lend support in need.   Along with Jesus himself they give cause for the highest praise to God.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 14:5-18; Matthew 12:28-32)

People are foolish not to seek a sign of good faith before they place their trust in a stranger.  What bank would loan someone money without the person having collateral?  Indeed, who would be allowed past the security gate at any public airport without producing identification?  Then why, it might be asked, is Jesus so upset when the scribes and Pharisees ask him for a sign in today´s gospel?

The answer is that Jesus has already so cured many people and expelled so many demons as more signs would be redundant.  Not only that but the scribes and Pharisees can judge from Jesus´ preaching that he is not an impostor.  It is time for them to dismiss their doubts and heed Jesus´ message.  Of course, following Jesus will exact such sacrifice that adopting a sceptical stance will always seem easier.

People today look toward us Christians for a sign that Jesus is really divine.  Not only in countries where Christians are a minority but increasingly where Christianity is losing ground to scepticism, non-believers expect professed Christians to live the love that Jesus preached.  We might argue like Jesus in the gospel that they will never be convinced.  But it seems even more in line with Jesus’ teaching that we make more effort to foster an atmosphere of sincere care, especially the needy in our midst.  Such actions will not only attract others to faith in Jesus but also make us more coherent in our following of him.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 11:10-12:14; Matthew 12:1-8)

The name April comes from the Latin aprilis which itself is derived from the word meaning to open.  Although the etymology of April follows a different path, it might be considered as the opening month of the year as indicated in today’s first reading.  The Passover feast is usually celebrated during the month of April as, of course, are Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Viewing the climatic events of the gospel through the lens of today’s passage from the book of Exodus deepens one’s appreciation of Christ’s mission.  Like the wool of an unblemished lamb, his life is not tainted by sin.  Moreover, its purity is infinitely richer because he always performs works of love.  As the blood of the lamb spread on the lintel of every house saved the people from the judgment of God on Egypt, the blood of Jesus sheds on the cross saves his followers from the judgment their sins merit.  And as the roasted flesh of the lamb provides the Israelites with food for the journey to freedom, so Christ’s flesh gives Christians the freedom to live imitating his goodness.

At time in the history of the Church some have considered the Old Testament as extraneous and dispensable.  Fortunately, wiser minds have always prevailed.  As we see today, the Old Testament gives needed perspective to understand the depth of Jesus’ victory on our behalf.  Indeed, the Old Testament enables us to understand who he is.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

(Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:20-24)

Today’s optional memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrates one of the most revered manifestations of the Blessed Virgin.  She is said to have given St. Simon Stock, the prior general of the Carmelite Order in the middle of the thirteenth century, the order’s brown scapular.  The scapular has served as part of the order’s religious dress to this day.  At the same time Our Lady is said to have promised salvation to those who persevere in wearing it.

For those who are not Carmelite religious, the scapular has been reduced in size so that it may be worn as a neck pendant under regular clothing.  No doubt millions of lay people around the word do just that trusting in Our Lady’s promise.  The story may sound quaint, but it underscores the narrative unfolding in the first reading these days.  As God comes to the aid of His people when they are perishing, He will assist us in our weakness if we devote ourselves to him.

Wearing a scapular is not necessary to be saved, but it serves to remind us of our need for God’s grace.  Jesus died that we might acknowledge God’s love.  He also has shared with us his Blessed Mother whose pleading on our behalf also wins God’s favor.