Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(James 4:1-10; Mark 9:30-37)

Once in a while at the end of mass someone speaks out, “St. Michael, defend in battle…”  The prayer dates back 142 years to the pontificate of Leo XIII.  At that time the papacy found itself at a loss vis-a-vis worldly powers.  St. Michael was called upon to defend the Holy See’s interests.  The tune of the prayer is similar to today’s first reading.

The author of the text understands his readers to be in conflict with themselves.  He sees their grace-enlightened minds struggling against their passions inclined to do evil.  Distrusting spontaneity, he exhorts them to soberly resist all temptations of pleasure.

Such outlooks on the world appeal to us who sometimes feel conflicted by natural desires.  However, the goods of the world should not be spurned completely.  Made for our use and enjoyment, they make us grateful to be alive.  But they are not to dominate our aspirations either.  We are made for something better - love that blossoms into eternal life.  We should interpret James as a warning about over-indulgence in material creation.  Even more we should be joyful and thankful for the gift of life.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

(Acts 1:12-14; John 19:25-34)

Today for the first time throughout the world the Church celebrates Mary as Mother of the Church.  Pope Francis decreed the innovation in order to tie Christian life more closely to the cross and to Mary.  Today’s gospel eloquently illustrates this linkage.

The passage relates John’s version of Jesus’ death and of the formation of the first Christian community.  From the cross Jesus introduces his mother to his beloved disciple and his disciple to his mother.  He does not mean simply that his beloved disciple care for his mother.  Rather, he wants them to unite with his other disciples as a community of believers.  As the Church requires the Holy Spirit, the gospel specifies that Jesus “hand(s) over his spirit,” ostensibly to them.  Mother and son form one family, the children of God, whose task is to proclaim the Father’s love to the world.

We are called into that relationship.  With Mary teaching us, we learn how to reflect over the events of our lives as encounters with God.  With brother and sister Christians we give witness to Christ’s resurrection by our joy in humble service.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 25:13b-21; John 21:15-19)

A Marianist brother, like many people, loved to fish.  He used to say that a fisherman takes his watch off, puts his line in the water, and never worries about time.  The brother only confirmed other slogans about fishing such as, “A bad day fishing is better than a good day at the office.”  Understanding how much fisherman love their occupation helps us appreciate today’s gospel.

Jesus wants Peter to commit himself first and foremost to him.  He asks his disciple, “Do you love me more than these?”  The question is not meant to show that Peter loves Jesus more than the other disciples love him.  How could Peter claim that after denying Jesus publicly three times?  No, the question seeks to ascertain if Peter will work for Jesus or will return to fishing.  The pronoun “these” refers to the accoutrements of fishing – boat, nets, and lines.  When Peter answers Jesus unequivocally, “’Yes…,’” Jesus assigns him the task of leadership of the Church.

We should consider ourselves queried in the same way as Peter.  Do we love the Lord more than our own occupations or other  interests?  Jesus does not necessarily mean that we forego other pursuits.  However, he does want us to make him the first priority of our lives.  We are to love him more than our work, even more than our children and our very selves.  It is a tall order to commit to, and it may take a lifetime before we can comfortably respond, “Yes.”  But assent is required if we are to have the eternal life Jesus promises.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 22:30.23:6-11; John 17:20-26)

In today’s gospel Jesus tells his Father that he has made known His name to his disciples.  What is that name?  The answer is as evident as it is telling.  Jesus continually calls God “Father.”  He is making the same point as found in the parable of the “Prodigal Son.”  God is the loving father that seeks a change in his rebellious children’s hearts.  He wants to dress them in fine clothes -- the virtues – so that they stand out as exceptional people.  He intends to feed them a banquet -- the Eucharist – so that they have eternal life.

Jesus further says that he will continue to reveal his Father’s name.  He means that he will send the Holy Spirit to reveal the breadth and depth of the Father’s love.  The Spirit will uncover the meaning of the paschal mystery as giving his followers an eternal destiny.   It will also reveal the nature of reality and history so that their faith will be fortified.

We await the celebration of the Spirit’s coming this Sunday.  It will flood us with the peace and joy of knowing the Father’s love.  It will likewise move us to share that love with others.  After all God created humans to live together in harmony as His family.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11b-19)

Passing a large Evangelical church, the deacon commented over its recent history.  He said that a few years ago after a disagreement with the pastor, a member formed his own church.  The two Christian churches were among several others in the village of no more than a thousand people.  

The proliferation of separate churches is a common phenomenon.  It is said that there are more than forty thousand Christian denominations world-wide.   This development betrays Jesus’ prayer for unity among his followers in today’s gospel. 

Jesus prays that his disciples may not be given to the ways of the world.  He wants them to avoid egotism which results in division.  In contrast, they are to practice humility which respects the authority established in his apostles.  As the first reading attests, church unity has proven to be a daunting challenge.  Since in its early days, the Church has contended with people who “pervert the truth” to gather their own followers.

Given this reality, it is remarkable that the Catholic Church encompasses a seventh of the world’s population.  It also maintains the faith of the apostles.  But these facts cannot be taken as reasons for complacency.  We must strive to control our rebellious tendencies.  We too may become so dissatisfied that we want to form another sect.  We also should work for reconciliation with other Christian communities.  This means understanding our Catholic system of thought so that we might share it with others.  It also involves prayer for unity and penance for past offenses.