Friday, May 28, 2021

 Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

(Sirach 44:1.9-13; Mark 11:11-26)

Today’s reading from Sirach gave rise to one of the most celebrated books in American literature.  The title, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, comes from the first verse of the reading.  But the author, James Agee, does not tell of any recognizable heroes.  Rather he and the photographer, Walker Evans, focus on the good, poor people who struggled to survive during the Great Depression.

Sirach also dedicates a few lines to the just people who believe in God and live according to His law.  They take care of their families who will remember them at least for a few generations.  After that, their lives will only be known to God who will love them for all eternity.

Often we are tempted to do something “cool.”  We want to stand out among people for being different.  We must resist the urge of vanity although we should not hesitate to help others and give glory to God.  In any case, we want to adhere to God’s law and trust that God will give us all we need for happiness.

Thursday, May 27, 2021

 Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

(Sirach 42:15-25; Mark 10:46-52)

Faith has been called another way of seeing.  It looks beyond the physical to spiritual realities that surround us.  It recognizes that the true goals of life are not the comfort and pleasure of luxury but the joy and peace of God’s kingdom.  It also sees the Church as helping attain these goals.  Today’s gospel conveys this message.

When Bartimaeus asks Jesus for sight, he no doubt wants to see colors and shapes like everyone else.  Jesus grants him this ability and adds the vocation of following him.  With that gift Bartimaeus does not go his own way but joins the community of disciples on the way to eternal life.

We may possess a lot, but we are still like Bartimaeus in that we have needs.  Whether it is finding a job or putting up with problematic people, we call out to the Lord, “Help.”  We should not be surprised that whatever he grants us, an increase of faith is included.  In time it will likely become more precious than what we asked for.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

 Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest

(Sirach 36:1.4-5a.10-17; Mark 10:32-45)

St. Philip Neri exuded joy.  During the time of carnival, what we call “Mardi Gras,” Philip would have a good time.  But his frolicking was unlike the shameful foolery of many locals.  His fun would be compatible with gratefulness to the Lord.  Unsinkable joy, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, distinguished Philip Neri from most people.  It contrasts him with James and John in today’s gospel.

The sons of Zebedee are portrayed as shamelessly ambitious.  They try to manipulate Jesus into promising the highest places in heaven.  Jesus, however, sniffs out their plan.  He promises that they will suffer for the kingdom but, at this point at least, refuses to guarantee anything more.

Faithful Christians should be joyful, deeply and frequently.  We have been made sisters and brothers to Jesus with eternal life as our heritage.  We also will find joy a powerful antidote to the cynicism and misery that surrounds us.

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

 Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

(Sirach 35:1-12; Mark 10:38-31)

The Book of Sirach has been called ‘Ecclesiasticus,” which means the Church’s book.  For centuries it was read in church for the many moral guides that it gives.  Today’s reading provides a taste of its teaching.  It encourages its readers to pay tithes to the assembly (in Christian times, read “church”) joyfully. 

However, the text rejects greed.  The reader is told that if he or she tries to bribe the Lord, the money would not be accepted.  A bribe would specify a condition for making an offering, a “tit-for-tat.”  No, people should give freely to the needy, be they poor people or the church, and expect nothing more than God’s love.  Those with true faith realize that God’s love is more than enough payment.

Although sometimes we think of ourselves as individualists, we need one another.  We certainly need the Church as well.  The Church corrects misconceptions about God and encourages us to keep praying.  Its existence depends on the material support of its members.  It may not be necessary to tithe or pay a tenth of our income to the Church.  But in justice we owe its upkeep so that it can provide needed services.

Monday, May 24, 2021

 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

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

Pope Francis introduced today’s celebration just three years ago.  Obviously, he wanted to emphasize the association of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with the church Jesus founded.  Both Scripture readings attest to this.

The first reading pictures the eleven apostles of Jesus remaining after Jesus’ Ascension along with his mother. It implies that Mary was present when the Spirit descended upon the disciples to set the Church in motion.  The gospel shows Mary at the foot of the cross with the beloved disciple and other women.  Jesus then hands over his Holy Spirit to his faithful followers – a mini-Pentecost.

The Holy Father insists on the key role of Mary in the Church.  She does not merely give Christ a human nature.  Even more significantly, Mary’s presence at the death of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit indicates her role in the project he initiated.  She epitomizes the caring outreach of the Church and assures the central place of women in its makeup.