Memorial of St. Rose of Lima, virgin
(Ezekiel 36:23-28; Matthew 22:1-14)
St. Rose of Lima wanted to enter a convent, but the privilege was denied her. Undaunted she took the habit of sisters of St. Dominic as a member of the Third Order. Then she virtually established her own convent by taking care of the city’s destitute and the sick and giving herself to prayer and penance. She prayed, “Lord, increase love in my heart.” That the human heart is made for love is attested in today’s first reading.
Ezekiel promises that Israel will have a heart transplant. In place of its stony heart that refused to love God and neighbor, it will receive a tender heart to love as humans ought. The prophet adds that this will be done through the gathering of the people in a new land and with the sprinkling of cleansing water.
It is confounding to think how Ezekiel’s prophecy might have been fulfilled when contempt and carelessness still persist today. Yet we know that Jesus has renewed our hearts in Baptism (the sprinkling) which brings us into his Church (the new land). Regrettably, however, some choose self-gratification rather than his way of love.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Ezekiel 34:1-11; Matthew 20:1-16)
Although it sounds trendy, we might think of the Kingdom of God as a complex of niche markets. Where most enterprises appeal to a basic clientele, who must take or leave the product depending on their benefit or loss, the Kingdom has an assortment of attractions to accommodate almost everyone. We get a glimpse of how the system works in the gospel today.
Jesus tells the parable of the landowner who offers jobs to different workers at different hours of the day. Rather than pay each according to the work done, he gives all the same wage, which is just enough to support his family for one day. In this way no one is left in need, and no one should gripe since all received what was agreed upon in the landowner’s respective offer.
The system seems unfair since it does not compensate according to the rule: equal pay for equal work. But if we think of airline pricing, a good example of niche marketing, it may make more sense. Latecomers are charged more for the same ride because their need is more urgent. Similarly those who like lots of leg room have to pay a premium for their comfort. It is important to remember, however, that we are given the parable not to justify God’s ways but to marvel at God’s mercy. Jesus is telling us that God’s Providence takes care of everyone.
(Ezekiel 34:1-11; Matthew 20:1-16)
Although it sounds trendy, we might think of the Kingdom of God as a complex of niche markets. Where most enterprises appeal to a basic clientele, who must take or leave the product depending on their benefit or loss, the Kingdom has an assortment of attractions to accommodate almost everyone. We get a glimpse of how the system works in the gospel today.
Jesus tells the parable of the landowner who offers jobs to different workers at different hours of the day. Rather than pay each according to the work done, he gives all the same wage, which is just enough to support his family for one day. In this way no one is left in need, and no one should gripe since all received what was agreed upon in the landowner’s respective offer.
The system seems unfair since it does not compensate according to the rule: equal pay for equal work. But if we think of airline pricing, a good example of niche marketing, it may make more sense. Latecomers are charged more for the same ride because their need is more urgent. Similarly those who like lots of leg room have to pay a premium for their comfort. It is important to remember, however, that we are given the parable not to justify God’s ways but to marvel at God’s mercy. Jesus is telling us that God’s Providence takes care of everyone.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Memorial of St. Pius X, pope
(Ezekiel 28:1-10; Matthew 19:23-30)
Warren Buffet, a very rich man, holds a seminar every year for businesspersons in Omaha, his hometown. People from all over the world flock to the city to hear his pearls of financial expertise. While there, they go to Gorat’s Steakhouse, Buffet’s favorite restaurant, and eat his supposedly favorite meal, T-bone steak and hash browns. They will do most anything -- rational or irrational -- to become rich like Mr. Buffet. Both readings today testify that these devotees are taking a perilous course.
Both Ezekiel and Jesus relate the wisdom from ancient times. Wealth may glitter, but it is not the gold that humans should seek. More likely than bringing one peace, it makes the person haughty and contentious, far from, not close to, the Lord. It is better to seek the Kingdom of God by living honest, humble lives of service.
But perhaps the current generation is better characterized by consumption than by wealth. Young people want to make a lot of money so that they may spend it on all sorts of comforts and conveniences. It leads to the same downfall as the quest for accumulation of wealth. Choosing another option, we should use our resources to become wiser and to assist others in the development of spirit.
(Ezekiel 28:1-10; Matthew 19:23-30)
Warren Buffet, a very rich man, holds a seminar every year for businesspersons in Omaha, his hometown. People from all over the world flock to the city to hear his pearls of financial expertise. While there, they go to Gorat’s Steakhouse, Buffet’s favorite restaurant, and eat his supposedly favorite meal, T-bone steak and hash browns. They will do most anything -- rational or irrational -- to become rich like Mr. Buffet. Both readings today testify that these devotees are taking a perilous course.
Both Ezekiel and Jesus relate the wisdom from ancient times. Wealth may glitter, but it is not the gold that humans should seek. More likely than bringing one peace, it makes the person haughty and contentious, far from, not close to, the Lord. It is better to seek the Kingdom of God by living honest, humble lives of service.
But perhaps the current generation is better characterized by consumption than by wealth. Young people want to make a lot of money so that they may spend it on all sorts of comforts and conveniences. It leads to the same downfall as the quest for accumulation of wealth. Choosing another option, we should use our resources to become wiser and to assist others in the development of spirit.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church
(Ezekiel 24:15-23; Matthew 19:16-22)
St. Bernard of Clairvaux might have gained fame as a layperson. He was very intelligent and came from a well-connected family. But unlike the young man in today’s gospel, Bernard chose to follow a path of radical discipleship. Wise and eloquent, he became the conscience of Europe advising kings, bishops, and at least one pope. His reward has not just been a significant standing in history but every true Christian’s goal of eternal life.
This gospel will trouble many. It calls everyone out of complacency. Jesus seems to challenge the young man with a call to radical discipleship because he so easily fulfilled the commandments. He indicates that if we are to enter into God’s realm, we must transcend our own expectations. Perhaps the anticipation of making the effort is more difficult than actually doing it. Once we give ourselves over to Jesus, he will support us through any trouble we encounter.
(Ezekiel 24:15-23; Matthew 19:16-22)
St. Bernard of Clairvaux might have gained fame as a layperson. He was very intelligent and came from a well-connected family. But unlike the young man in today’s gospel, Bernard chose to follow a path of radical discipleship. Wise and eloquent, he became the conscience of Europe advising kings, bishops, and at least one pope. His reward has not just been a significant standing in history but every true Christian’s goal of eternal life.
This gospel will trouble many. It calls everyone out of complacency. Jesus seems to challenge the young man with a call to radical discipleship because he so easily fulfilled the commandments. He indicates that if we are to enter into God’s realm, we must transcend our own expectations. Perhaps the anticipation of making the effort is more difficult than actually doing it. Once we give ourselves over to Jesus, he will support us through any trouble we encounter.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ezekiel 16:1-15.60.63; Matthew 19:3-12)
“As for Marilyn, who can match her?” said one Hollywood star many years ago about Marilyn Monroe. Perhaps no other person, with possible exception of Elvis Presley, has attracted so much attention in American popular culture than Ms. Monroe. She certainly was beautiful, but nevertheless she was a tragic figure leaving in her wake multiple husbands and lovers. Reading the passage from the prophet Ezekiel in today’s mass, one may think of Marilyn Monroe as an image for Israel.
The passage says of Israel, “You were captivated by your own beauty, you used your renown to make yourself a harlot, and you lavished your harlotry on every passer-by …” But the Lord does not abandon Israel. Rather despite her sins, He pledges forgiveness and rehabilitation. Later on in the story, God promises to cleanse Israel of its impurities and to replace her stony heart with one of flesh (Ez 36:25-26).
The prophecy is fulfilled with Jesus. He calls his Church from the remnant of Israel and teaches her his ways. He sets her in motion with his death and resurrection. Sustained by the grace of the Holy Spirit, the New Israel will lead the world in the quest for justice. As members of this redeemed reality, we strive to carry out the mission by our care for all.
(Ezekiel 16:1-15.60.63; Matthew 19:3-12)
“As for Marilyn, who can match her?” said one Hollywood star many years ago about Marilyn Monroe. Perhaps no other person, with possible exception of Elvis Presley, has attracted so much attention in American popular culture than Ms. Monroe. She certainly was beautiful, but nevertheless she was a tragic figure leaving in her wake multiple husbands and lovers. Reading the passage from the prophet Ezekiel in today’s mass, one may think of Marilyn Monroe as an image for Israel.
The passage says of Israel, “You were captivated by your own beauty, you used your renown to make yourself a harlot, and you lavished your harlotry on every passer-by …” But the Lord does not abandon Israel. Rather despite her sins, He pledges forgiveness and rehabilitation. Later on in the story, God promises to cleanse Israel of its impurities and to replace her stony heart with one of flesh (Ez 36:25-26).
The prophecy is fulfilled with Jesus. He calls his Church from the remnant of Israel and teaches her his ways. He sets her in motion with his death and resurrection. Sustained by the grace of the Holy Spirit, the New Israel will lead the world in the quest for justice. As members of this redeemed reality, we strive to carry out the mission by our care for all.
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