Monday, January 29, 2018

Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

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

 “Dead Man Walking” tells of Sr. Helen Prejean’s accompanying a murderer to the death chamber.   At the end of the story the criminal confesses that he did indeed kill an innocent person.  A reviewer of the movie asked whether the man would have repented if he were not condemned to die.  He concluded -- very honestly it seems -- that at least the way the role was played, the convict would not have repented.  Although it does not present a strong argument for its existence, capital punishment does confront criminals with the enormity of their crime.  With accompanying social outrage, they cannot hide from having done something horrendous.  We see a like matter in today’s reading.

Although he has won many battles for Israel, David has also committed grievous sins.  Scripture details his rape of Bathsheba and consequent murder of her husband.  Now he sees the upshot of his crimes.  His son betrays him, and a bystander condemns him on behalf of half the people under David’s reign.  The truth is so overbearing that David cries in desperation while admitting his guilty ways.  Once again, his repentance will bring God’s favor. 

We all sin, but some refuse to acknowledge it.  In not confessing our crimes – sins of pride and laziness as well as the more noticeable varieties – we only deprive ourselves of God’s mercy.  Jesus comes to free us as the gospel today ably attests.  But we must repent and believe in the good news.

Friday, January 26, 2018

Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 4:6-34)

St. Timothy and St. Titus accompanied St. Paul in various parts of his missionary journeys.  They served as his assistants with tasks like carrying his letters and evaluating the needs of the communities Paul founded.  Eventually both came to lead Christian communities that were associated with Paul.  Timothy became what might be called “bishop of Ephesus” and Titus, “bishop of Crete.”

Today’s first reading emphasizes the continual reliance of Church leaders on faith.  They may be so preoccupied in giving commands that their relation with the Lord wanes.  On the other hand, they may become discouraged when few people express interest in their teaching or prayer.  If their faith falters, leaders cannot bring others to truly know the Lord.  As Paul writes, leaders are to stir up the faith that is within them by constant meditation and prayer.  Doing so, they will more ably assist their people to eternal life.

Most of us have leadership responsibilities for which our faith serves well.  Parents, of course, have the physical and spiritual welfare of their children as a primary obligation.  On the job we want to convey confidence and concern to co-workers so that common objectives may be met.  Among friends we give tender care so that they may live with integrity.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

(Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18)

In one sense St. Paul’s “conversion” was not much of a change.  He never converted from being bad to being good.   He went from zealously working for God as a Jewish inquisitor to zealously working for God as a Christian missionary.  There certainly was, however, a change of perspective.  He previously perceived Jesus Christ as his enemy.  After his encounter with Christ, Paul recognized him as his Lord.  We should see ourselves being called to a similar conversion.

Catholics have looked down on Christians of other traditions – Protestants, Evangelicals, even Orthodox – as lost souls.  They have thought that it almost impossible that any non-Catholic find eternal life.  Protestants especially have harbored like doubts about Catholics.  They considered Catholics as superstitiously relying on the sacraments rather than making every effort to live righteously.  The “Week of Christian Unity,” which ends today, affords all Christian communities opportunity to view one another more fairly.

When we do so, we will find differing strengths and weaknesses. Many Protestants have a profound knowledge of Scripture with which we come to know Christ.  The Orthodox have retained an exalted sense of God as transcendent with power and majesty over all.  Catholics have the pope, the primary sign of the apostolic faith and succession.  We need all these values to find salvation among those who make rock stars or athletes their gods and satisfying sensual desire as their chief hope.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church

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

As the Week of Christian Unity draws to a close, it might be asked how one of the great Catholics of Reformation times treated Protestants.  St. Francis de Sales was a priest and bishop in Switzerland, a country that largely converted to Calvinism.  Influenced by religious rivalry, Francis broadly backed social and political pressures to bring Calvinists back to the Church.  But when he faced Protestants directly, he spoke to their hearts. 

Francis believed that intellectual arguments do not change people’s ways as much as calling forth the good in everyone.  He would say that it is not necessary for a farmer to pray like a monk but could offer a simple prayer to place himself on the path of holiness.  Francis was able to attract a number of Calvinists to Catholicism.  Perhaps more important than conversions, his preaching the possibility of universal holiness allows for common ground among Catholics and Protestants today.

Calvinism emphasizes especially personal righteousness. It sees human nature as seriously defected by original sin.  Nevertheless, Calvinism finds some human beings redeemed by Christ.  These fortunate few, it teaches, will lead holy lives with Christ’s grace. Whether they are bankers or farmhands, Calvinism insists that their lives exemplify prayer and decency.  A convergence may be noted here with Francis’ sense of universal holiness.  Both Calvin and De Sales offer the possibility of every baptized person leading holy life.  Calvin may be stricter in his sense of what holiness consists and Francis more flexible.  But both find the need of seriousness in pursuing sanctity.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

(II Samuel 6:12b-15.17-19; Mark 3:31-35)

  

Does the world need God?  As probably half of the world’s population, we say that we do. But increasingly, especially in western societies, people act as if they do not need God.  Witness the lagging observance of Sunday as the Lord’s Day and the greater interest in retirement plans than in pursuit of eternal life.  Today’s first reading suggests that indeed a right functioning requires the worship of God.

When King David dances before the Ark of the Covenant, he is showing himself as the epitome of a renewed priesthood and well as of the kingship. He has just offered sacrifice to God.  Now he gives God exultant praise before the Ark which contains the Tablets of the Law.  His actions imply that the people must recognize God as author, sustainer, and legislator of their life.  Without God their strength will shrivel, and they will come to nothing.

If we look at what is happening around us, we should reach the same conclusion.  Not remembering Christ’s command to love one another, we are falling into the division of identity politics which often ignore the common good.  More devastating, not heeding God’s law concerning sex, many rob their children of full family life.  We also need God even more for His daily assistance that comes in more numerable ways than is possible to record.