Friday, October 21, 2016

Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ephesians 4:1-6; Luke 12:54-59)

Old enmities die hard.  Two people who have long had differences that led to bitter words have difficulty burying their resentment.  In today’s gospel Jesus warns the crowds that they must overcome difficulty of this kind in order to be reconciled.

Jesus notes how practical people are.  They can tell that it is going to rain in plenty of time to take the wash from the line.  Unfortunately they limit their good sense to physical matters.  They do not recognize that the moment of salvation has come with Jesus.  Now is the time to show mercy so that they might receive the boundless graces of his death and resurrection.

We have the same crisis today.  Jesus is exhorting us to act because there is no time to wait.  We must seek reconciliation with those from whom we have been alienated.  Doing so, we will experience the peace of God’s kingdom.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ephesians 3:14-21; Luke 12:49-53)

The juxtaposition of the first reading and the gospel today disturbs the spirit.  The gentle words from Ephesians about the Christian as rooted in love sound diametrically opposite the jarring gospel where Jesus promises to judge the world with fire.  An outsider might wonder if Jesus is a lion or a lamb.

If we have difficulty with the two clusters of images, perhaps we should examine what love is about.  It desires not so much the comfort of others as their wholeness.  At times it will call for suffering.  President Obama describes his mother’s love for him with the story of her getting him out of bed at four in the morning to review his lessons.  When he complained, she told him, “This is not a picnic for me either, Buster.”

Jesus’ love for us moves him to die in Jerusalem so that we might experience divine life.  Reaching it demands our acceptance which may in turn involve sacrifice of pleasure and even of relationships.  But we should never underestimate the value of belonging to God.  As the Letter to the Ephesians says, it is “the breadth and length and depth” of happiness.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Memorial of Saints Jean Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, priest and martyrs, and companions, martyrs

(Ephesians 3:2-12, Luke 12:39-48)

Catholicism experienced a new flowering in France during the seventeenth century.  The reforms of the Council of Trent had taken hold.  French kings favored the old faith as a way to consolidate his power.  Saints like Vincent de Paul breathed into the Church a spirituality centered on service.  One of the results of this renewal was a vigorous missionary spirit.  Jesuits missionaries Jean Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, and companions went staunchly forth to proclaim Jesus Christ to native peoples of America.  They braved severe discomfort and eventually cruel martyrdom to teach the unsophisticated about Christ.

Today’s first reading provides a theological framework for their missionary activity.  Through Christ God’s calling was extended beyond the nation of Israel to all peoples of the world.  Paul was one of the first missionaries to the Gentiles, but the preaching could hardly stop hi efforts in eastern Europe.  With the discovery of new lands with different peoples the Christian message of salvation was brought to what Europeans thought was the end of the earth.

Perhaps there is always a new frontier.  Today we are to reintroduce the salvation that Christ offers to people who have heard of it but in a defective way.  Christ calls us to share his humility and love with those for whom even Christianity appears narrowly self-opportunistic.  It means sacrifice on our part in the short view of things. But as the fullness of the heavens is revealed, our efforts to share the good news will bring salvation to all.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist

(II Timothy 4:10-17b; Luke 10:1-9)

It may have been coincidence, but Pope Francis could not have chosen a more appropriate year for the “Year of Mercy.”   Almost every Sunday for the last eleven months the Church has reflected on the Gospel according to Luke which highlights mercy.  The parables of the Good Samaritan and the Merciful Father (the Prodigal Son), the accounts of Jesus healing the ten lepers and forgiving his executioners, and many other passages manifest the gracious love of God.  Even today’s passage on this Feast of St. Luke hints of mercy.

The message of the disciples as they preach the good news is not just “the Kingdom of God is at hand” as in Matthew’s gospel, but it is here “for you.”  In Luke mercy is not theoretical but becomes personal and palpable.  This can be exquisitely seen in Luke’s treatment of the passion of Jesus.  When Judas comes to kiss him in betrayal, Jesus calls him by name to stop him from doing such an odious deed. When Peter is denying him, Jesus is looking on to remind Peter that he will pray for him so that he does not lose hope.  And on the cross Jesus offers the prayer of supreme mercy, “’Father, forgive them…’”

Pope Francis’ intention in calling the year of mercy is not only that we count on God’s mercy but that we likewise show mercy.  We best do this by incorporating mercy in our schedules perhaps by a weekly visit to a nursing home or a monthly commitment to a night shelter.  In showing mercy to others we open ourselves to God’s mercy.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop

(Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 12:13-21)

The word rich makes one think of money.  People speak of Warren Buffet as being the richest American.  But the word has ambivalent roots.  It is derived from a Middle English word meaning noble or powerful.  It can be said that St. Ignatius of Antioch was rich in faith.  He strongly believed that God would reward him eternal life if he died giving testimony to Christ.  When he was arrested and sentenced to death, he pleaded with supporters not to intercede for him so that he might be martyred.  In today’s readings another kind of richness is extolled.

The Letter to the Ephesians speaks of God as so “rich in mercy” that He gave Christians a new start in life.  Through Christ they are redeemed from sinful ways so that they might practice virtue.  In the gospel Jesus specifies how his followers are to live.  He exhorts his listeners to be “rich in what matters to God.”  He wants them to show mercy to those in great need.  He has in mind especially using one’s wealth to assist the poor.

We strive to have enough physical riches to live at least securely if not comfortably.  We are being encouraged to share some of our physical riches so that we may become rich in mercy as well.  When we become like God, we too can be confident of being awarded eternal life.