Thursday, December 17, 2015

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

(Genesis 49:2.8-10; Matthew 1:1-17)

Genealogists study genealogies.  They know how to ferret out data from records that most of us overlook.  Genealogists tell us that all of us have famous ancestors.  They claim that we are all descendants of Julius Cesar or any other famous figure of the ancient past.  They say that satisfaction comes not from that fact but from proving it.

No one is a physical descendant of Jesus because he did not have children.  But we can all claim him as a relative in two ways.  By the wide net of relationships that genealogies make, everyone on earth is a descendant of some ancestor of Jesus.  More importantly, we can claim him as a relative when we act like him.  When we make an effort to proclaim the Father’s love like he did by acts of mercy, our relationship with Jesus can be physically seen.

Today’s readings speak of genealogy.  The first foretells David’s and also Jesus’ being descendants of Judah, a strong man who defeats his enemies.  It indicates that they too will overcome all opposition.  The gospel traces Jesus’ lineage through David and Judah to Abraham.  It shows us that God has carefully planned the coming of His Son.  Likewise it assures us that staying in relationship with Jesus will bring us God’s favor.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

(Isaiah 54:1-10; Luke 7:24-30)

John the Baptist sounds confused in regards to Jesus.  He preached that the Messiah would come winnowing fan in hand to burn evil-doers.  But Jesus sits down with sinners to talk with them about the love of God.  “What’s going on?”  John seems to ask, “Are you the one who is to come?”   The question is similar to what many today ask: “Is Jesus really our savior?  Or perhaps we should put our faith in science to save us from death?”  Trusting in science would mean that we put personal welfare first.  If they call us to lend a hand at the night shelter, we should refuse because of our need of a full night’s sleep.  We would also support embryonic stem cell research for cures to threatening ailments even though it means the destruction of another’s life.

Jesus tells John’s emissaries to observe the works he has been performing.  His healing of infirmities and casting of demons attest to his being sent from God.  We followers of Christ note the best way of giving testimony to his Lordship is by imitating his care for others.  It is not so important that we live fifty years or hundred as long as we leave a legacy of genuine love.  A young family demonstrates this kind of care when they attend a lay ministry formation class together.  The father asks if he might bring into the lecture hall his daughter debilitated with cerebral palsy.  The younger son stays just outside the door happily playing by himself.  The mother explains during the course of the day that the girl becomes agitated if neither she nor her husband is close by.  Their continual presence is a burden born in love.  The family enjoys peace of heart as each member strives to help one another.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Tuesday of the Third Week in Advent

(Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 21:28-32)

Eddie Haskell was a subordinate character in the ancient television series Leave It to Beaver.  He acted as a foil to the main character Theodore, the Beaver.  Eddie was not really a bad boy, but he did enjoy mischief-making.  When his schemes were discovered, he would try to sweet-talk his way out of the trouble.  His manner differed decidedly from the innocent sincerity of the Beaver.  Although the two were not brothers, their different modus vivendi could be seen as similar to that of the two brothers in Jesus’ parable today.

Jesus is describing what God looks for in people.  He divides humanity into two groups, both of which are comprised of sinners.  Those in the first group, he says, make no pretensions about trying to please God.  They do whatever they wish but then come to repent of their selfishness.  The second group tries to fool God by paying Him lip service.  They end up falling far short of fulfilling their commitment.  Of course, it is the first group that pleases God. 

We must emulate its members.  The holiday season may test us in this regard.  We can get everyone gifts, go to church, and even donate to charity.  But this does not mean that we have pleased the Lord.  We need to change our focus.  We have to do what is right not to vaunt ourselves but to assist others in their need.  Only then will we be pleasing to God.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Memorial of St. John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church

(Numbers 24:2-7.15-17a; Matthew 21:23-27)

The man was troubled.  He was a committed Catholic but was having a hard time believing what the Church teaches.  He wondered whether he was undergoing a “dark night of the soul.” 

That term was formulated by today’s patron, St. John of the Cross.  It means that one experiences dryness in belief.  Truths are accepted but only by force of will.  The person feels no joy in believing in her eternal destiny.  Perhaps John himself experienced this anguish as he was harassed for calling his brother Carmelites to reform.   

Some think that Jesus himself experienced a dark night as he hung upon the cross.  For this reason he may have cried, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”  It is such a disturbing possibility that Luke and John view Jesus’ death quite differently.  They see allies at his side and an overarching trust in God as his demeanor.

We too may experience a dark night.  We may view the gospel as idealism and God as a projection.  We would be in good company.  But it is not a state that we should pursue.  Rather we should pray that the Advent hope of seeing Jesus will remain in our hearts until it is realized.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Friday of the Second Week of Advent

(Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19)

Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s great novel The Brothers Karamazov imagines a contrast between two monks.  Fr. Zosima is the hero’s hero who teaches Alyosha, the main character, how to love.  He is a gentle, holy man who can enjoy the sweets the ladies from town brought him.  Fr. Ferapont is a very ascetic monk who criticizes Zosima’s indulgent ways.  The two form a rough contrast to Jesus and John the Baptist in today’s gospel.

Jesus is exhorting the crowds to change their ways.  He is amazed at their stubbornness.  He says that John the Baptist came fasting and doing penance as a way of freeing himself for the coming wrath of God, but the masses did not repent.  Now Jesus has come demonstrating God’s mercy by partaking of the goodness of the earth, and the people still do not want to change their sinful ways.  The only consolation Jesus offers the few who do repent is that their decision will be proved as wise in the future.

We too are called to convert.  The Advent season is an opportune time to begin.  We want to prepare for Jesus’ coming not so much with buying and partying but with a constant meditation on the benefit God becoming human brings to us.