Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 14:2-10; Matthew 10:16-23)
Last year twenty-six Church workers across the world died violent deaths. Few can be considered actual martyrs, but in all probability most were staked out because there were serving Christ. Eighteen were priests, six were religious sisters, and four were laypersons. Thirteen of the number were killed in Latin America, six in Africa, four in Asia, and one in Europe. This evidence seems to conflict with the gospel passage today which predicts the coming of the Son of Man before the apostles finish preaching to the towns of Israel.
But how is Jesus’ saying to be interpreted? Obviously, many apostles were martyred before Matthew wrote his gospel in approximately 90 A.D. It is likely that the evangelist had in mind Jesus’ returning to his disciples after his resurrection where he be with them until the end of time (Matthew 28:16-20).
Working for the Church does make one vulnerable. After all, those who follow Christ claim to offer no resistance to violence. Perhaps more significantly, Church workers often live in relative comfort compared to the masses in poor countries. In any case the risk does not outweigh the joy of living close to the Lord. His favor makes all our sacrifices seem minute.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 11:1-4; 8e-9; Matthew 10:7-15)
“A man had two sons” is a familiar biblical theme. We find it in the story of Adam: Cain and Abel; of Abraham: Ishmael and Isaac; of Isaac: Esau and Jacob; and, of course, of the “Prodigal Son.” Typically one son pleases the father while the other broods and rebels. Nevertheless, the father’s love encompasses both.
We could also see the theme of a man with two sons in Israel, considered as a corporate son, and Jesus. Where Israel demonstrates fickleness in its allegiance to God, Jesus gains the Father’s pleasure. In the reading from the prophet Hosea today God expresses both tenderness and outrage for His son Israel. Although Israel has continuously betrayed God, He still promises to treat the nation mercifully. God’s love for Israel is actually played out in sending His Jesus to its rescue.
God loves each of us as He loves Israel. Never mind that we have sinned. Never mind that we too often brood rather than turn to God in repentance. God not only waits to forgive us but actively seeks us out in Jesus. His words call us to righteousness. His grace delivered empowers us to so act. We but need to turn to Him.
(Hosea 11:1-4; 8e-9; Matthew 10:7-15)
“A man had two sons” is a familiar biblical theme. We find it in the story of Adam: Cain and Abel; of Abraham: Ishmael and Isaac; of Isaac: Esau and Jacob; and, of course, of the “Prodigal Son.” Typically one son pleases the father while the other broods and rebels. Nevertheless, the father’s love encompasses both.
We could also see the theme of a man with two sons in Israel, considered as a corporate son, and Jesus. Where Israel demonstrates fickleness in its allegiance to God, Jesus gains the Father’s pleasure. In the reading from the prophet Hosea today God expresses both tenderness and outrage for His son Israel. Although Israel has continuously betrayed God, He still promises to treat the nation mercifully. God’s love for Israel is actually played out in sending His Jesus to its rescue.
God loves each of us as He loves Israel. Never mind that we have sinned. Never mind that we too often brood rather than turn to God in repentance. God not only waits to forgive us but actively seeks us out in Jesus. His words call us to righteousness. His grace delivered empowers us to so act. We but need to turn to Him.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot
(Hosea 10:1-3.7-8.12; Matthew 10:7-15)
St. Benedict left such a wonderful legacy that he was named patron of Europe. Our present pope chose Benedict as his particular patron because Benedict’s followers were largely responsible for the civilization of the continent. Still today Benedictine monks and their various offshoots contribute significantly to Church affairs and secular knowledge. Although Benedict was rather original in his expression, he but echoed the radical concern for people of Jesus Christ.
In today’s gospel Jesus sends his inner circle of disciples to preach the Kingdom of God. They are to go among “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” These are people who have lost the sense of God’s care for them. The disciples are to proclaim the “Kingdom of heaven is at hand,” which is to say that God is not a distant landlord but a benevolent ruler who looks after their needs.
Today many people are disillusioned with religion because of the violence perpetrated in its name. They prefer to give allegiance to the wonders of technology. It is difficult to find this latter affiliation leading to a more human civilization. The world needs new Benedicts to show how true peace is a product of charity. It looks for a creative genius who will form communities of self-sacrifice that will inspire a truly uplifting civilization.
(Hosea 10:1-3.7-8.12; Matthew 10:7-15)
St. Benedict left such a wonderful legacy that he was named patron of Europe. Our present pope chose Benedict as his particular patron because Benedict’s followers were largely responsible for the civilization of the continent. Still today Benedictine monks and their various offshoots contribute significantly to Church affairs and secular knowledge. Although Benedict was rather original in his expression, he but echoed the radical concern for people of Jesus Christ.
In today’s gospel Jesus sends his inner circle of disciples to preach the Kingdom of God. They are to go among “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” These are people who have lost the sense of God’s care for them. The disciples are to proclaim the “Kingdom of heaven is at hand,” which is to say that God is not a distant landlord but a benevolent ruler who looks after their needs.
Today many people are disillusioned with religion because of the violence perpetrated in its name. They prefer to give allegiance to the wonders of technology. It is difficult to find this latter affiliation leading to a more human civilization. The world needs new Benedicts to show how true peace is a product of charity. It looks for a creative genius who will form communities of self-sacrifice that will inspire a truly uplifting civilization.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 8:4-7.11-13; Matthew 9:32-38)
What do we live for? Some will say for their families. Other may not say it but their actions indicate that they live for pleasure – food or perhaps sex. A few seem to live for their work. The prophet Hosea castigates the people of Israel for living for idols.
Hosea was an eighth century B.C. prophet who preached in the Northern Kingdom of Israel with its capital in Samaria. The people at the time were inclined to worship the fetishes of their pagan neighbors instead of the Lord who saved them from servitude in Egypt. It is not difficult to suggest a reason for their infidelity. The pagan deities were much less demanding than God. Where the Lord insisted that the people control their appetites, paganism generally extolled licentiousness.
In Jesus the commands of God are brought to fulfillment. To many they seem harder to obey – not even to look with lust or not even to resist a rebuke? But this is because they forget that Jesus walks with us to share our burden.
(Hosea 8:4-7.11-13; Matthew 9:32-38)
What do we live for? Some will say for their families. Other may not say it but their actions indicate that they live for pleasure – food or perhaps sex. A few seem to live for their work. The prophet Hosea castigates the people of Israel for living for idols.
Hosea was an eighth century B.C. prophet who preached in the Northern Kingdom of Israel with its capital in Samaria. The people at the time were inclined to worship the fetishes of their pagan neighbors instead of the Lord who saved them from servitude in Egypt. It is not difficult to suggest a reason for their infidelity. The pagan deities were much less demanding than God. Where the Lord insisted that the people control their appetites, paganism generally extolled licentiousness.
In Jesus the commands of God are brought to fulfillment. To many they seem harder to obey – not even to look with lust or not even to resist a rebuke? But this is because they forget that Jesus walks with us to share our burden.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 2:16.17c-18.21-22; Matthew 9:18-26)
Rabbi Abraham Heschel taught that humans express sorrow on three levels. On the lowest level, they cry. On the next level, they keep silent. And on the highest level, they turn their sorrow into song. Music gives grief an outlet. For this reason the gospel today notes flute players beside the death bed of the Jewish maiden.
But is the girl really dead? The evangelist wants to show that there is no room for the death of a believer when Jesus, the author of life, is present. It would be like trying to keep the sun from shining. Jesus only has to say the word and the apparently lifeless springs to attention.
We live in a time when death has lost some of its sting. It is not unusual for people to live past eighty years old. Indeed, people openly talk of death as a blessing when its alternatives harbor suffering or listless existence. But the infirmity of old age, pain and unconsciousness are signs of impending death. When Jesus gives new life, there is vigor not misery. We await his call at the end of time when we will rise from the dust of our graves to experience a more abundant life than we have ever known.
(Hosea 2:16.17c-18.21-22; Matthew 9:18-26)
Rabbi Abraham Heschel taught that humans express sorrow on three levels. On the lowest level, they cry. On the next level, they keep silent. And on the highest level, they turn their sorrow into song. Music gives grief an outlet. For this reason the gospel today notes flute players beside the death bed of the Jewish maiden.
But is the girl really dead? The evangelist wants to show that there is no room for the death of a believer when Jesus, the author of life, is present. It would be like trying to keep the sun from shining. Jesus only has to say the word and the apparently lifeless springs to attention.
We live in a time when death has lost some of its sting. It is not unusual for people to live past eighty years old. Indeed, people openly talk of death as a blessing when its alternatives harbor suffering or listless existence. But the infirmity of old age, pain and unconsciousness are signs of impending death. When Jesus gives new life, there is vigor not misery. We await his call at the end of time when we will rise from the dust of our graves to experience a more abundant life than we have ever known.
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