Friday, July 25, 2025

 

Feast of Saint James, apostle

(II Corinthians 4:7-15; Matthew 20:20-28)

In the first three gospels James, the brother of John, is the first of the twelve apostles called by Jesus.  In the Acts of the Apostles he is the first to give his life for him.  In today’s reading from Matthew James, together with his brother John, answers affirmatively to Jesus’ query regarding their being able to drink from the same chalice as he.  Whether or not James realized at the time that Jesus was referring to the shedding of his blood is beside the point.  In time he learned that just as Jesus suffered death for his teachings, he and the other apostles would likely come to the same end.

James had to be a man of courage.  Timid people would have withdrawn from full discipleship at the sight of crucifixion. James went ahead taking Jesus at his word that faithfulness to him would not end in death but in eternal life.  In a matter of a few years after Jesus’ death James was put to the sword by Herod Agrippa’ henchmen.  Perhaps because of his courage he has been adopted by Spain, a nation proud of its warrior heritage, as its patron.

Courage, a gift of the Holy Spirit, enables us to overcome inner desires as well as resistance from others.  With courage we can keep lust and greed at bay.  It helps us to remain on track to meet the Lord favorably at judgment.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

 

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 19:1-2.9-11.16-20b; Matthew 13:10-17)

During World War II both Allied and Axis forces used secret codes to transmit messages without the enemy’s understanding.  One of the most effective codes was developed by the Navajo Native American nation.  The Navaho language was complex, unwritten, and not widely known.  400 Navajo men were trained in radio communications.  They transmitted messages about Marine troop movements and battle tactics in the Pacific Theatre without the Japanese knowing the Americans were doing.

In the gospel of Matthew Jesus uses parables as a kind of secret code.  He does not want the people, who by now have largely turned against him, to understand what he is saying.  In the Sermon on the Mount he told disciples not to throw pearls before swine.  Here he practices what he preached.  But how does he know that the people are against him?  Again, especially in the Gospel of Matthew but also in John Jesus is portrayed as the incarnate Son of God.  He knows human hearts -- which will repent of their sins and be converted and which are incorrigible.

Jesus’ code has been given to us through faith and in Baptism.  It assures us that all will be well if we follow his ways.  For some his message is foolishness.  But for us it is the way of our salvation.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

 

Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 16:1-5.9-15; Matthew 13:1-9)

Older Catholics may remember when faith communities experimented with making bread for Mass.  About fifty years ago the people tried to find ways in which the Eucharistic bread may have more of the form and taste of daily bread than wafers.  It turned out to be a challenge with the Church insisting that the bread have no other ingredients than flour and water.  Perhaps because it was just less bother that most communities have since returned to the custom of using Communion hosts.  But one asks today if the trouble was warranted in the first place.  Today’s first reading indicates that the prototype of the Eucharist was a very strange form of bread.

God provided manna for the Israelites as they made their way through the desert without wheat for bread.  No one knows for sure today exactly what manna was made from.  But the reading indicates that it was somewhat different from regular bread.  Looing at it, the Israelites asked, “What is this?” which is said to translate the word mana or, better, man hu in Hebrew.

The Eucharist is a very different kind of bread.  Rather than nourish the body in any significant way, it builds up the soul.  Received in faith, it prepares us for eternal life.  Man hu: what is this?  It is the bread of our eternal salvation.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

 

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

(Song of Songs 3:1-4b; John 20:1-2.11-18)

The Song of Songs was originally a Hebrew love poem.  It remains part of Scripture as an allegory expressing God’s love for Israel or, -- for Christians -- Christ’s love for the Church.  Today’s passage describes the beloved’s active pursuit of her lover faintly like Hosea in search of his wife or the Lord’s parable of the shepherd risking life and flock to seek the lost sheep,

Of course, the passage is read now to indicate Mary Magdalene’s desire to see the body of her dear Lord. Even though Jesus is supposedly dead, Mary’s love for him is “stronger than death.” as a famous phrase in the Song of Songs says.   Her faithful love is rewarded when she sees Jesus, not dead and even more than physically alive.

He will make himself present to us as well when we actively pursue him. We find him in the sacraments and in prayer.  Unlike the literal gospel, he will allow us to cling to him in worship so that we too may become more than physically alive.

Monday, July 21, 2025

 

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 14:5-8; Matthew 14:38-42)

Matthew’s gospel is neatly arranged into five thematic sections with a long introduction and a long end.  The thematic sections contain a narrative and a teaching component.  The lectionary has entered the third section known for its parabolic discourse ending.  The narrative shows Jesus having difficulty delivering his message or, better, shows the people raising objections to Jesus. 

Jesus had been highly successful in his preaching the Kingdom of God.  He also worked many miracles which is part of the “proclamation of the Kingdom.”  Yet the people in today’s passage, whether for fascination or for incredulity, demand a miracle to prove himself God’s emissary.  Characteristic of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus seldom performs mighty deeds without the faith of the people.  so now he reproaches the people for their disbelief.

We must take care not to join the crowd withholding belief until God fulfills our request for a miracle.  God has already done wonderful things for us.  He has given us life and community.  He has also continuously fulfilled our pleas for help.  Rather than doubt his activity in our lives, we should eagerly express to him our faith and love.