Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
(II Corinthians 1:1-7; Matthew 5:1-12)
Once an oriental man visiting churches in Italy was amazed to see so many images of someone hanging on a cross. He asked something like, “What evil deed could that guy have done so that they don’t want anyone to forget it?” Unlike this oriental we see the crucifix in a completely benign way. Just as Paul speaks of being encouraged by Christ's sufferings in the opening of the Second Letter to the Corinthians, so our meditation on the crucifix provides us consolation to face the hardships of life with equanimity and hope.
As the year of St. Paul comes to a close, let’s reflect briefly on his contribution to our lives. Of course, he was the great apostle journeying, tirelessly, bravely, and successfully to tell our ancestors about Christ. We may credit our being Christian today to his efforts. He also brilliantly laid the groundwork to our understanding about Christ, especially in relation to Judaism. Equally important, his letters convey sensibilities similar to our own which make credible our following Jesus in the midst of a society which often moves in a different direction. Paul gives us confidence that Jesus’ story is no myth but answers the questions of an acutely honest person who from an encounter with Christ was convinced that whatever sacrifices he had to make for him are well worth the trouble.
Homilette for Friday, June 5, 2009
Memorial of St. Boniface, bishop and martyr
(Tobit 11:5-17; Mark 12:35-37)
Once an advertising campaign promised to “bring a mountain to Chicagoland.” The pledge excited the city’s children who never saw a mountain other than in books. It turned out, however, that the mountain was only a new brand of coffee being introduced into the Chicago market.
In today’s gospel Jesus refutes a kind of advertising campaign about the long-awaited Messiah. The people believe that the Messiah is to be a descendant of David, the mighty king whose military exploits established Israel as a regional powerhouse. Jesus notes, however, that one of the psalms refers to the Messiah as “my lord.” Since David is considered the author of all the psalms, Jesus asks how David can call a descendant “my lord.” He means that the expectation of the Messiah as a descendant of David is inadequate if he is to be David’s “lord.” Somehow, Jesus implies, the Messiah’s accomplishments have to transcend David’s military feats.
Jesus’ accomplishments comprise an achievement that would put David in awe. He dies a horrific death in complete submission to God’s will. He rises from the dead as indication of God’s approval for his sacrifice. And he sends his Holy Spirit upon his disciples to guide them to moral and spiritual heights. Yes, David and certainly we as well must acknowledge Jesus as “lord.”
(Tobit 11:5-17; Mark 12:35-37)
Once an advertising campaign promised to “bring a mountain to Chicagoland.” The pledge excited the city’s children who never saw a mountain other than in books. It turned out, however, that the mountain was only a new brand of coffee being introduced into the Chicago market.
In today’s gospel Jesus refutes a kind of advertising campaign about the long-awaited Messiah. The people believe that the Messiah is to be a descendant of David, the mighty king whose military exploits established Israel as a regional powerhouse. Jesus notes, however, that one of the psalms refers to the Messiah as “my lord.” Since David is considered the author of all the psalms, Jesus asks how David can call a descendant “my lord.” He means that the expectation of the Messiah as a descendant of David is inadequate if he is to be David’s “lord.” Somehow, Jesus implies, the Messiah’s accomplishments have to transcend David’s military feats.
Jesus’ accomplishments comprise an achievement that would put David in awe. He dies a horrific death in complete submission to God’s will. He rises from the dead as indication of God’s approval for his sacrifice. And he sends his Holy Spirit upon his disciples to guide them to moral and spiritual heights. Yes, David and certainly we as well must acknowledge Jesus as “lord.”
Homilette for Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Tobit 6:10-11.7:1bcde.9-17.8:4-9a; Mark 12:28-34)
Dr. George Vaillant is a psychiatrist who has taken up a longitudinal study of Harvard graduates in the early 1940s. One purpose of the study is to answer the age-old question of what makes people happy. Dr. Vaillant believes that happiness has much to do with how people cope with setbacks. If after a difficult experience a person suspects everyone as wanting to do him or her in, happiness is probably going to be elusive no matter how much money the person has or how healthy he or she is. On the other hand, if the person faces setbacks by becoming more compassionate to others, then she or he is likely on the road to happiness.
How might we judge Tobiah’s and Sarah’s responses to their difficulties? In yesterday’s reading we heard how Sarah chose to act on behalf of her father when faced with the ignominy of having seven husbands die before consummating their marriage. We might say that she opted for altruism over passive aggression. Tobiah is challenged in today’s reading. When told of his cousin Sarah’s terrible experiences of marriage, he might have ignored his father Tobit’s advice to marry a kinswoman by feigning illness. But he sublimates his fears by praying to God for deliverance. We should not be surprised on Saturday when we hear how all turns out well for this family.
(Tobit 6:10-11.7:1bcde.9-17.8:4-9a; Mark 12:28-34)
Dr. George Vaillant is a psychiatrist who has taken up a longitudinal study of Harvard graduates in the early 1940s. One purpose of the study is to answer the age-old question of what makes people happy. Dr. Vaillant believes that happiness has much to do with how people cope with setbacks. If after a difficult experience a person suspects everyone as wanting to do him or her in, happiness is probably going to be elusive no matter how much money the person has or how healthy he or she is. On the other hand, if the person faces setbacks by becoming more compassionate to others, then she or he is likely on the road to happiness.
How might we judge Tobiah’s and Sarah’s responses to their difficulties? In yesterday’s reading we heard how Sarah chose to act on behalf of her father when faced with the ignominy of having seven husbands die before consummating their marriage. We might say that she opted for altruism over passive aggression. Tobiah is challenged in today’s reading. When told of his cousin Sarah’s terrible experiences of marriage, he might have ignored his father Tobit’s advice to marry a kinswoman by feigning illness. But he sublimates his fears by praying to God for deliverance. We should not be surprised on Saturday when we hear how all turns out well for this family.
Homilette for Wednesday, June 3, 2009
St. Charles Lwanga, martyr, and his companions, martyrs
(Tobit 3:1-11.16; Mark 12:18-27)
In the gospel passages this week Jesus may remind us of a champion prize fighter or a pool shark. He takes on all who wish to challenge him and easily turns back their best efforts. Yesterday he outwitted the Pharisees who tried to trap him with a touchy question about taxes. Today he defends himself against the Sadducees who poke fun at his idea of the resurrection. Tomorrow he will respond insightfully to a sincere question about the greatest commandment.
Mark the Evangelist portrays Jesus as superior to all other teachers. His description of Jesus’ perfection will reach its height on the cross where Jesus’ bloody death brings about reconciliation between heaven and earth. Mark shows us that Jesus is not only wise and holy but courageous and self-sacrificing.
The argument which Jesus makes in today’s gospel fills out Mark’s portrait. What good would reconciliation of heaven and earth be if there is no resurrection of the dead? Too often in this world the good eat dirt while the unjust enjoy fine dining. In the resurrection of the dead we expect to find reversal. Those who love God and neighbor will have seats at the eternal banquet. Meanwhile, those who give lip-service to God and their backs to the poor may find themselves smelling the aroma outside the banquet hall.
(Tobit 3:1-11.16; Mark 12:18-27)
In the gospel passages this week Jesus may remind us of a champion prize fighter or a pool shark. He takes on all who wish to challenge him and easily turns back their best efforts. Yesterday he outwitted the Pharisees who tried to trap him with a touchy question about taxes. Today he defends himself against the Sadducees who poke fun at his idea of the resurrection. Tomorrow he will respond insightfully to a sincere question about the greatest commandment.
Mark the Evangelist portrays Jesus as superior to all other teachers. His description of Jesus’ perfection will reach its height on the cross where Jesus’ bloody death brings about reconciliation between heaven and earth. Mark shows us that Jesus is not only wise and holy but courageous and self-sacrificing.
The argument which Jesus makes in today’s gospel fills out Mark’s portrait. What good would reconciliation of heaven and earth be if there is no resurrection of the dead? Too often in this world the good eat dirt while the unjust enjoy fine dining. In the resurrection of the dead we expect to find reversal. Those who love God and neighbor will have seats at the eternal banquet. Meanwhile, those who give lip-service to God and their backs to the poor may find themselves smelling the aroma outside the banquet hall.
Homilette for Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(Tobit 2:9-14; Mark 12:13-17)
Tobit tries to please God and to help his neighbor. Being more zealous than prudent, however, his sense of righteousness causes him to err. In the segment of his story today he accuses his hard-working wife of stealing. We can almost hear him cry out afterwards in remorse, “God, what a mess I make of everything. Why don’t you take my life?” Perhaps some of us, after committing similar blunders, have felt the same self-disgust.
As reckless as Tobit’s suspicions are, must Anna respond so bitterly? Does she need to criticize her husband for performing good deeds in the past? No, her words sting Tobit unjustifiably. She also has to control her emotions. A more prudent response in her case would be, “Take it easy, Tobit. I would never steal another person’s belongings.”
Neither Tobit nor Anna needs to despair, however. God hears the cries of those who call to him. Learning from them, we should curb the inclination to judge others harshly. It is a much safer practice to pray for the person we are impulsively tempted to criticize. And, if it turns out that our impulse to criticize was indeed wrong-headed, we can thank God for sparing us a situation where we would have acted foolishly.
(Tobit 2:9-14; Mark 12:13-17)
Tobit tries to please God and to help his neighbor. Being more zealous than prudent, however, his sense of righteousness causes him to err. In the segment of his story today he accuses his hard-working wife of stealing. We can almost hear him cry out afterwards in remorse, “God, what a mess I make of everything. Why don’t you take my life?” Perhaps some of us, after committing similar blunders, have felt the same self-disgust.
As reckless as Tobit’s suspicions are, must Anna respond so bitterly? Does she need to criticize her husband for performing good deeds in the past? No, her words sting Tobit unjustifiably. She also has to control her emotions. A more prudent response in her case would be, “Take it easy, Tobit. I would never steal another person’s belongings.”
Neither Tobit nor Anna needs to despair, however. God hears the cries of those who call to him. Learning from them, we should curb the inclination to judge others harshly. It is a much safer practice to pray for the person we are impulsively tempted to criticize. And, if it turns out that our impulse to criticize was indeed wrong-headed, we can thank God for sparing us a situation where we would have acted foolishly.
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