Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Jeremiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-28)

As we approach the middle of Lent, we may find our initial Lenten resolutions losing their grip on us.  It is a parallel process to the capitulations found in today’s readings.  In the first, the people of Jerusalem are not willing to accept Jeremiah’s teaching that their allegiance must be to God alone.  They want to dally with other gods as a way of hedging their bets on divine assistance.  In the gospel no one seems to grasp what Jesus is saying about self-sacrifice for the good of the people.  James and John allow their mother to promote their advancement.  Meanwhile, the other disciples don't want to lose their chance of sitting on the places of honor. 

The conversion that the Lord seeks of us and to which we consent on Ash Wednesday runs against the ways of the world.  Where the world says “look out for number one,” Jesus tells us to “lose our lives for his sake and for the gospel.”  We have to renew our efforts continually so that one day we will be able to serve others joyfully.

The saints model Jesus’ self-abnegation for good of others.  Stanley Rother was an American priest defending the rights of the indigenous in Guatemala during the 1970’s and early 1980’s.  He was threatened with death if he did not leave his parish.  In fact, he tried going away but made the realization that, as he said, “a shepherd cannot run from his flock.”  He returned to Guatemala where shortly afterwards gunmen entered his rectory and killed him.  He has recently been declared “Blessed” by Pope Francis.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

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

A cartoon once appeared in the newspaper featuring a well-heeled couple emerging from church.  They thank the preacher for never saying anything to offend people like themselves!  The couple would have walked out in a huff if they were to hear what Isaiah says in today’s first reading.

Isaiah reminds especially the well-off of their responsibility for the needy.  They must assure that the rights of the defenseless are not violated.  Wrongs against them are to be prosecuted and their children must be taken care of.  In the gospel Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their obtuseness toward the same needy.  Rather than assist the poor, the Pharisees make life harder for them.  Meanwhile they seek praises from the people for carrying out lesser precepts.

We must take care never to act self-righteously like the Pharisees.  It is good, of course, to pray regularly.  But we must recognize that God demands that we also assist those in need.  It is not wrong to wear a silver cross or to pray with a crystal rosary.  But we also must send some of our resources to organizations that are helping the poor to live decently.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Monday of the Second Week of Lent

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

It is said that a cynic is someone who has given up but has not shut up.  The number of such people seems to continually grow.  They troll Internet postings and follow one of the notoriously slanted news stations.  Their opinion is often directed ad hominem – that is, more to personal characteristics than to ideas.  In today’s gospel Jesus commands his followers to avoid such behavior.

Luke’s gospel mercy emphasizes God’s mercy quality.  At its beginning Zacharias praises God for the “tender mercies” to be showered on the people when the Savior is born.  In today’s passage Jesus tells his disciples to be as merciful as their heavenly Father.  Mercy means slow to judge and ready to forgive.  It provides others the same kind of understanding that most people have for themselves.

Since we live in a socially polluted atmosphere, we need to take special care.  Finding an objective news source and reading responsible commentators will help avoid the dual traps of cynicism and condemnation.  Analyzing the ideas without judging the individuals who hold them will sharpen our intellects while avoiding needless criticism of individuals.  But most of all we have to strive to be kinder and gentler in what we say.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Friday of the First Week of Lent

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

At a 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.  Now the participants were deepening their commitment to that Power.  Although alcoholism is as much a medical as a moral condition, AA at least does not deny that alcoholics have some responsibility for the problems in which they find themselves. They must recognize that they have hurt others by feeding their condition and take responsibility for not falling into the habit again.  Today’s readings portray such people as on the road to sanctity.

Ezekiel announces that the Lord wills to save, and not condemn, sinners.  God is not going to free them from responsibility of their sins but will urge them to reform.  Their reward, the oracle says, will be “life.”  In the gospel Jesus teaches his disciples that they must seek forgiveness from those they have offended if their sin offering is to be worthy.  It is a lesson that resonates with that of the Our Father:  “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

It is often hard to recognize our sins and even harder to seek the forgiveness of others.  Yet both tasks are at the heart of Christian faith.  If we are going to walk with Jesus, we must humble ourselves by recognizing our need for his reconciling company.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

(I Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19)

St. Peter’s “Chair” is better rendered his “Throne.”  It refers to the primacy of the pope in the college of bishops.   The pope, who is bishop of Rome, oversees the unity of the global Church and the orthodoxy of its doctrine.  He appoints most of the other bishops and encourages all of them to faithfully carry out their pastoral responsibilities.  Most of all, the pope is to guide all Christians to the fullness of charity as Jesus taught.

To meet these daunting tasks requires divine help.  In today’s gospel St. Peter shows that he has access to such assistance.  Jesus announces that Peter could not have identified him as the “Christ” and “Son of the living God” without the Father’s revelation.  Jesus also says that Peter will receive the “keys to the Kingdom of heaven.”  Like his chair, keys are a symbol of authority.  They refer primarily to the pope’s duty to decide which actions conform to the teachings of Jesus and which do not.

Pope Francis has sat on the chair of Peter for almost five years.  Although he is admired throughout the world, he has not pleased everyone within the Church.  His particular emphasis on the poor and suffering has caused a few to criticize his teaching as lax.  But no one doubts Francis’ integrity or his personal virtue.  Above all, Francis strives to imitate the historical Jesus by befriending everyone, especially those in the most need of mercy.