Friday of the First Week in Lent
(Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26)
At first God’s judgment in the passage from Ezekiel seems unfair. Where is justice if one person transgresses the law every the day of her life, makes a death bed confession, and then leaves the world in peace while another always tries to do what is right, clicks the wrong Internet file, and then has a heart attack while viewing pornography? But such scenarios defy human experience. People who habitually sin find self-justifying reasons for their offenses and do not readily stop. A liar, for example, likely takes such pleasure in deceit that foregoing it requires considerable effort.
On the other hand, the righteous person has developed virtue which makes violating the principles by which she lives unthinkable. Such a person hardly “slips up” but will do wrong only after a conscious change of heart. For example, people who attend Mass every Sunday will usually find a church when they are on the road unless their reason all along has been to be seen by others.
The “scribes and the Pharisees” are the ones in Matthew’s gospel whom Jesus criticizes for doing good for show and harboring pride in their hearts. Because he dispenses the Holy Spirit to his disciples, Jesus expects better behavior from us. Indeed, the Spirit moves us to develop virtue by prompting us to do what is right despite the difficulty involved. Once virtue is established, we do not have to worry about slipping up before we die. Performing righteous acts will then be as normal as breathing.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
(Esther C:12.14-16.23-25; Matthew 7:7-12)
Rabbi’s Harold Kushner best-seller When Bad Things Happen to Good People pictures an almost anemic God who helps people by inspiring them to work together. Prayer to such a deity gives one occasion to think about what must be done to improve the situation herself. But any hope that It can somehow modify the situation beyond the process of human will and chance is wish-making. Is there any way to reconcile such thinking to the Scripture readings today?
Jesus assures his disciples in the gospel that God listens to the prayers of His people like an indulgent father, the pleas of his children. Queen Esther in the Old Testament selection demonstrates the proper attitude as she throws herself to the ground in supplication before the Lord. In both cases God is considered as the real cause of change. He can be counted on for assistance.
“Then why are not all prayers answered?” some will want to retort. This is an earnest question which Pope Benedict in his recent letter introducing the Holy Year of Faith recognizes as “God’s silence.” Its answer is steeped in tradition although may not satisfy everyone. In the end we must stand before the mystery of God in faith. Just as He has been actively present to us countless time, He can withhold any cognizable response. Still we can be sure that He has heard our plea and will act on our behalf although when and how may not be forthcoming.
(Esther C:12.14-16.23-25; Matthew 7:7-12)
Rabbi’s Harold Kushner best-seller When Bad Things Happen to Good People pictures an almost anemic God who helps people by inspiring them to work together. Prayer to such a deity gives one occasion to think about what must be done to improve the situation herself. But any hope that It can somehow modify the situation beyond the process of human will and chance is wish-making. Is there any way to reconcile such thinking to the Scripture readings today?
Jesus assures his disciples in the gospel that God listens to the prayers of His people like an indulgent father, the pleas of his children. Queen Esther in the Old Testament selection demonstrates the proper attitude as she throws herself to the ground in supplication before the Lord. In both cases God is considered as the real cause of change. He can be counted on for assistance.
“Then why are not all prayers answered?” some will want to retort. This is an earnest question which Pope Benedict in his recent letter introducing the Holy Year of Faith recognizes as “God’s silence.” Its answer is steeped in tradition although may not satisfy everyone. In the end we must stand before the mystery of God in faith. Just as He has been actively present to us countless time, He can withhold any cognizable response. Still we can be sure that He has heard our plea and will act on our behalf although when and how may not be forthcoming.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
(Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32)
A doctor recently commented on public radio how some asthmatic patients cannot forego having their cats in bed with them. Although they are hypersensitive to cat allergens and may die of an allergic reaction, the animals give them such comfort that they are considered like a spouse or a child. In the first reading today we see other animals taking on human dimensions.
In the reformation of Nineveh with Jonah’s preaching the king declares that both man and beast shall fast and wear sackcloth. It is humorous to imagine cats and dogs much less cows and sheep being dressed in rags to show the earnestness of the people to change their lives. We know now that the story is fictitious, but its purpose is definitely prophetic. It was written to teach Israelites that God will show mercy on all people who take His call for reform to heart.
Whether it means giving up pornography or beginning to pray regularly, reform is difficult. We have to keep in sight the end we desire if we are to accomplish it. We should consider the season of Lent as a special offer that not only calls us to reform but puts Easter on the horizon. In these ways we are inclined to make the necessary changes to rise with Christ.
(Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32)
A doctor recently commented on public radio how some asthmatic patients cannot forego having their cats in bed with them. Although they are hypersensitive to cat allergens and may die of an allergic reaction, the animals give them such comfort that they are considered like a spouse or a child. In the first reading today we see other animals taking on human dimensions.
In the reformation of Nineveh with Jonah’s preaching the king declares that both man and beast shall fast and wear sackcloth. It is humorous to imagine cats and dogs much less cows and sheep being dressed in rags to show the earnestness of the people to change their lives. We know now that the story is fictitious, but its purpose is definitely prophetic. It was written to teach Israelites that God will show mercy on all people who take His call for reform to heart.
Whether it means giving up pornography or beginning to pray regularly, reform is difficult. We have to keep in sight the end we desire if we are to accomplish it. We should consider the season of Lent as a special offer that not only calls us to reform but puts Easter on the horizon. In these ways we are inclined to make the necessary changes to rise with Christ.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday of the First Week in Lent
(Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15)
Christianity essentially is not an ethic but an encounter. It is to know Jesus as our Savior and Lord. However, from this association a way of living emerges. In the “Lord’s Prayer” of today’s gospel, a striking feature of the Christian way is highlighted.
Christians are not to hold grudges. Rather, they are to forgive those who offend them just as they ask God, the Father, to forgive their offenses. Blessed John Paul II brilliantly illustrated this principle when he visited his attempted assassin in prison. In doing so, the pope imitated Jesus in at least two gospel scenes. On the cross in the gospel of Luke Jesus asks his Father in heaven to forgive his executioners. Also, in a resurrection appearance of John’s gospel Jesus seeks out Peter who denied him publicly.
Forgiveness epitomizes the change of heart to which Jesus calls us. It seems more consistent with Jesus’ manner that we do not wantonly proclaim forgiveness to everyone who upsets us. Before that, there is need for a determination of the culpable party and for an admission of guilt. But whether or not a request for forgiveness is forthcoming, we are to pray for those toward whom we feel animosity.
(Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15)
Christianity essentially is not an ethic but an encounter. It is to know Jesus as our Savior and Lord. However, from this association a way of living emerges. In the “Lord’s Prayer” of today’s gospel, a striking feature of the Christian way is highlighted.
Christians are not to hold grudges. Rather, they are to forgive those who offend them just as they ask God, the Father, to forgive their offenses. Blessed John Paul II brilliantly illustrated this principle when he visited his attempted assassin in prison. In doing so, the pope imitated Jesus in at least two gospel scenes. On the cross in the gospel of Luke Jesus asks his Father in heaven to forgive his executioners. Also, in a resurrection appearance of John’s gospel Jesus seeks out Peter who denied him publicly.
Forgiveness epitomizes the change of heart to which Jesus calls us. It seems more consistent with Jesus’ manner that we do not wantonly proclaim forgiveness to everyone who upsets us. Before that, there is need for a determination of the culpable party and for an admission of guilt. But whether or not a request for forgiveness is forthcoming, we are to pray for those toward whom we feel animosity.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday of the First Week in Lent
(Leviticus 19:1-2.11-18; Matthew 25:31-46)
Henri Nouwen was perhaps the most noted spiritual writer in English during the last quarter of the twentieth century. In his final years he often wrote of the community of incapacitated persons and their caregivers in which he lived. In one essay he described his service to an almost helpless youth named Adam who conveyed to him the truth of today’s gospel.
Although there were few alternatives, Adam allowed Nouwen to take care of him. He evidently maintained his composure even when he was in distress. In any event Adam proved himself like Jesus in that in being helped, he brought his helper a “peace that the world cannot give.” The lessons were simple and yet profound. First, Adam revealed to the author, a man of great accomplishment, that what is truly important is a human person’s being not his success. Second, Adam revealed that what makes humans images of God is not the mind that comprehends reality but the heart that can forego preoccupation with self to embrace another in love. Finally, Adam demonstrated the importance of community since, like everyone else, he needed others to survive but in such an intense way that he was unable to hide that truth.
During Lent God invites us to find His Son in others. The more we know suffering people and assist them in their need, the more we will recognize that it is Jesus whom we are care for. In so doing, he lifts us from our own misery to the joy of his company.
(Leviticus 19:1-2.11-18; Matthew 25:31-46)
Henri Nouwen was perhaps the most noted spiritual writer in English during the last quarter of the twentieth century. In his final years he often wrote of the community of incapacitated persons and their caregivers in which he lived. In one essay he described his service to an almost helpless youth named Adam who conveyed to him the truth of today’s gospel.
Although there were few alternatives, Adam allowed Nouwen to take care of him. He evidently maintained his composure even when he was in distress. In any event Adam proved himself like Jesus in that in being helped, he brought his helper a “peace that the world cannot give.” The lessons were simple and yet profound. First, Adam revealed to the author, a man of great accomplishment, that what is truly important is a human person’s being not his success. Second, Adam revealed that what makes humans images of God is not the mind that comprehends reality but the heart that can forego preoccupation with self to embrace another in love. Finally, Adam demonstrated the importance of community since, like everyone else, he needed others to survive but in such an intense way that he was unable to hide that truth.
During Lent God invites us to find His Son in others. The more we know suffering people and assist them in their need, the more we will recognize that it is Jesus whom we are care for. In so doing, he lifts us from our own misery to the joy of his company.
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