Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
(Hebrews 2:5-12; Mark 1:21-28)
Once in a while we see criticism of humanism from Christian groups. According to them humanism is the archenemy of faith because it seeks to replace the primacy of God with that of humans. But certainly this criticism is both wrong-headed and short-sighted. There are great saints like Thomas More who were humanists. Even Pope John Paul II was considered a Christian humanist. Calling humanism anti-Christian is like calling an athlete anti-intellectual. Such a label does not account for humanism’s possibilities.
Humanism endeavors to promote all men and women, not just the rich or the educated, but the poor and simple as well. It says that the value of the individual human must not be ignored. It is true that some humanists get carried away with these ideas. Secular humanists try to exalt humanity by denying the existence of God. Indeed, they attempt to turn humans into gods with the authority to make laws that are contrary to nature.
In the gospel Jesus shows himself to be a humanist. When a man who is possessed by an unclean spirit comes before him on the sabbath, he takes pity. Right away, he casts out the demon so the man may have his life back. The Pharisees consider the sabbath so holy that all regular activity must stop to give praise to God. But Jesus’ expelling the demon on the sabbath indicates that God is honored more by restoring humans to their full senses than by compliance with a narrow interpretation of the Law.
Monday, January 10, 2010
Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
(Hebrews 1:1-6; Mark 1:14-20)
In a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright song-writer Paul Simon wrote, “Architects may come and architects may go and never change your point of view.” Wright, of course, was different. His lines and spaces lift people from the drudgery of daily life to a celestial height engaging their freedom and nobility. Attending to Jesus’ words and actions in the gospel today, we are likewise called out of slumber to a new spirit.
John has been arrested. His prophetic message warned listeners of the need to repent or face the wrath of God. Jesus employs the same words as John, “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent…” but with him warning has given way to hope. Now God has come to look after people’s needs. First Simon and Andrew and then James and John have only to hear Jesus’ call to adopt a wholly new lifestyle.
For some after so many centuries and so many readings, Jesus’ message seems stale. It is a plausible criticism since many people who profess faith in him hardly exhibit a renewed spirit. However, for both those who are tired of reading the gospel as well as those who only give it lip service, there remains the challenge of taking Jesus up on the call. When people leave behind their boats – their little worlds of cynicism and prejudice – and their nets – their fortunes and pleasures – to follow him, they will find a refreshing and fulfilling way of life.
(Hebrews 1:1-6; Mark 1:14-20)
In a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright song-writer Paul Simon wrote, “Architects may come and architects may go and never change your point of view.” Wright, of course, was different. His lines and spaces lift people from the drudgery of daily life to a celestial height engaging their freedom and nobility. Attending to Jesus’ words and actions in the gospel today, we are likewise called out of slumber to a new spirit.
John has been arrested. His prophetic message warned listeners of the need to repent or face the wrath of God. Jesus employs the same words as John, “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent…” but with him warning has given way to hope. Now God has come to look after people’s needs. First Simon and Andrew and then James and John have only to hear Jesus’ call to adopt a wholly new lifestyle.
For some after so many centuries and so many readings, Jesus’ message seems stale. It is a plausible criticism since many people who profess faith in him hardly exhibit a renewed spirit. However, for both those who are tired of reading the gospel as well as those who only give it lip service, there remains the challenge of taking Jesus up on the call. When people leave behind their boats – their little worlds of cynicism and prejudice – and their nets – their fortunes and pleasures – to follow him, they will find a refreshing and fulfilling way of life.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Christmas Weekday
(I John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16)
Bishop Leroy Matthiesen of Amarillo became a national sensation after he told a deacon in his diocese working at the Pantex Nuclear Plant that he should follow his conscience and leave his job. When Bishop Matthiesen was offered a contract for his autobiography, he was warned that he had to write soon because interest in his story would not last long.
In the gospel people similarly come in search of Jesus after he heals a leper. The passage indicates that they not only want him to cure their illnesses but also to listen to him teach. Interestingly, Jesus does not seem to change his routine to maximize popularity but continues to withdraw in prayer. He obviously knows intuitively what most of us forget in face of public admiration -- the source of lasting power is not in human strength but in communion with the Father.
Whether we are famous or whether our virtue is known only by our loved ones, we are wise to imitate Jesus in prayer. Daily conversation with God offers us the opportunity to declare our love and our hope. God’s gracious response empowers us to live up to the ideals we profess.
(I John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16)
Bishop Leroy Matthiesen of Amarillo became a national sensation after he told a deacon in his diocese working at the Pantex Nuclear Plant that he should follow his conscience and leave his job. When Bishop Matthiesen was offered a contract for his autobiography, he was warned that he had to write soon because interest in his story would not last long.
In the gospel people similarly come in search of Jesus after he heals a leper. The passage indicates that they not only want him to cure their illnesses but also to listen to him teach. Interestingly, Jesus does not seem to change his routine to maximize popularity but continues to withdraw in prayer. He obviously knows intuitively what most of us forget in face of public admiration -- the source of lasting power is not in human strength but in communion with the Father.
Whether we are famous or whether our virtue is known only by our loved ones, we are wise to imitate Jesus in prayer. Daily conversation with God offers us the opportunity to declare our love and our hope. God’s gracious response empowers us to live up to the ideals we profess.
Thursdsay, January 6, 2011
Christmas Weekday
(I John 4:19-5:4; Luke 4:14-22)
Fifty years ago John Kennedy delivered one of the most inspiring speeches in history. “The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans,” the young president said in his inaugural address, “born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage....” We may note a similar cadence to Jesus’ words in the gospel today.
Jesus returns to his home town to deliver his first public address in Luke’s gospel. He enters the synagogue, takes the scroll with a passage from Isaiah, and reads: “’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor…to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind…” Then he announces, “’Today this prophecy is fulfilled in your hearing.’” The world should sigh in relief. Like President Kennedy Jesus has youth and capability to carry out his project. Infinitely more than the thirty-fifth President, his divine origins assure its accomplishment.
Kennedy was not a great man because he was Catholic. However, we can assert that his faith contributed to his sense of care for the oppressed, to his need to be strong in the face of evil, and to his loyalty to the sacred tradition of his predecessors. History has shown that he was not perfect. Nevertheless, to the extent that he followed Jesus’ program of renewal put forth in today’s gospel, we should aspire to be like him.
(I John 4:19-5:4; Luke 4:14-22)
Fifty years ago John Kennedy delivered one of the most inspiring speeches in history. “The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans,” the young president said in his inaugural address, “born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage....” We may note a similar cadence to Jesus’ words in the gospel today.
Jesus returns to his home town to deliver his first public address in Luke’s gospel. He enters the synagogue, takes the scroll with a passage from Isaiah, and reads: “’The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor…to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind…” Then he announces, “’Today this prophecy is fulfilled in your hearing.’” The world should sigh in relief. Like President Kennedy Jesus has youth and capability to carry out his project. Infinitely more than the thirty-fifth President, his divine origins assure its accomplishment.
Kennedy was not a great man because he was Catholic. However, we can assert that his faith contributed to his sense of care for the oppressed, to his need to be strong in the face of evil, and to his loyalty to the sacred tradition of his predecessors. History has shown that he was not perfect. Nevertheless, to the extent that he followed Jesus’ program of renewal put forth in today’s gospel, we should aspire to be like him.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Memorial of Saint John Neumann, bishop
(I John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52)
Americans on the average gain a pound of body weight over the holiday season. That may not sound like much, but a real problem emerges when in many cases the added pound accumulates over the years. Yet as great a threat as obesity presents to health, there is still a greater danger in holiday feasting. Like the disciples in the gospel today, we may not understand the meaning of the abundance of food.
We share our food during Christmas as a means of anticipating the eternal feast in heaven. At the Incarnation we behold in our midst the same Christ who will have the place of honor at the Father’s table at the end of time. Of course, this image of a heavenly banquet is largely speculative. We do not know what exactly eternity is like so we think of it in terms of our most wonderful communal experience – a banquet with the most delightful of company as well as the most delicious of foods. Scripture likewise conjures the image of a banquet table for the fulfillment of God’s plan. St. Paul, however, is more discreet in describing heaven when, citing Isaiah, he writes, ‘“…eye has not seen, and ear has not heard…what God has prepared for those who love him.’”
Feasting, of course, does not continue throughout the year. Most days we exert ourselves carrying out the mandates Christ has given us. On some days we also fast as a way to show our live for God. In these ways we also guard against the threat of obesity.
(I John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52)
Americans on the average gain a pound of body weight over the holiday season. That may not sound like much, but a real problem emerges when in many cases the added pound accumulates over the years. Yet as great a threat as obesity presents to health, there is still a greater danger in holiday feasting. Like the disciples in the gospel today, we may not understand the meaning of the abundance of food.
We share our food during Christmas as a means of anticipating the eternal feast in heaven. At the Incarnation we behold in our midst the same Christ who will have the place of honor at the Father’s table at the end of time. Of course, this image of a heavenly banquet is largely speculative. We do not know what exactly eternity is like so we think of it in terms of our most wonderful communal experience – a banquet with the most delightful of company as well as the most delicious of foods. Scripture likewise conjures the image of a banquet table for the fulfillment of God’s plan. St. Paul, however, is more discreet in describing heaven when, citing Isaiah, he writes, ‘“…eye has not seen, and ear has not heard…what God has prepared for those who love him.’”
Feasting, of course, does not continue throughout the year. Most days we exert ourselves carrying out the mandates Christ has given us. On some days we also fast as a way to show our live for God. In these ways we also guard against the threat of obesity.
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