Monday, July 27, and Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 32:14-24.30.34; Matthew 13:31-35)

In a famous remark John Lennon once boasted that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus.  It was the brash statement of a rebellious youth, but it did indicate the hold that idols have on people’s consciousness.  Just as the Beatles commanded the attention of young people fifty years ago, the golden calf stirs the imagination of the Israelites in the reading from Exodus today.

What could the people have possibly seen in the golden calf made with their own hands?  Is it the magnificence of gold that gleamed in their eyes or the vitality that the image of a calf conjures?  In any case the object is sinful because the first commandment of the Decalogue prohibited such images.  They are to rivet attention on God who can fulfill all their needs.

Like the Israelites people today often turn created things into idols.  Some talk about food as if they lived only to eat.  Others seem preoccupied with electronic devices – the last phone or computer.  We must be wary of such pursuits to keep God in the forefront of our minds.  Only He provides what is necessary for a life truly worth living.

Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary time

Exodus 33:7-11.34:5b-9.28; Matthew 13:36-43)

Years ago a movie entitled “The Bad Seed” showed an eight year-old girl twice committing murder.  It turned out that the child was the natural daughter of a serial killer.  The movie along with today’s gospel, which could be given the same title, asks the questions: Is the doing of evil predetermined by factors such as nature or, to take the contrary position, environment?  Or does each human person have a free will to choose right from wrong?

In the gospel Jesus uses a parable to illustrate why God allows evil to exist in the world.  He is not giving a philosophical discourse on its origins.  As the world knows, good and bad populate the earth simultaneously.  Jesus is saying that God allows the coexistence in order that the good may not be harmed in an attempt to eradicate evil.  But, he assures, in the end the good will remain and the wicked will be consumed. 

As research continually shows, both genetics and environment affect how we behave.  Yet there is a core choice that each person makes that supersedes these tendencies.  Those inclined toward aggressiveness can choose reconciliation.  Those raised in households virulent with lies can opt for the truth.  Christ will determine at the end of time the extent of each person’s achievement.  Our task is to pursue goodness as best as we can and to set example for others.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 13:18-23)

People often speak of the necessity to set boundaries.  These are limits that allow relationships to develop without friction.  For example, a person may tell friends that he does not want to be called after 10 p.m.  Often boundaries are implied by the nature of a relationship.  Teachers should not date their students even when both are adults. 

In the first reading today God sets boundaries for humans.  Not keeping the Sabbath or stealing injures our relationship with the Lord.  It should be noted, however, that a literal observance of the Ten Commandments hardly fulfills one’s responsibilities as a Christian.  It is not enough that she refrain from worshipping idols; she must also love God with her whole mind and heart.  It is not enough that he not covet his neighbor’s wife; he must love his neighbor as himself.  This is why, when asked, Jesus did not name any of the Ten Commandments as the greatest.

In writing his moral theology Thomas Aquinas did not concentrate on the commandments.  He realized that if we are to come to know God, we have to do much more than follow rules.  We have to practice virtue.  This is a huge task that might exhaust us from the get-go except for the Holy Spirit.  God breathes this life into our bones so that we might not only avoid evil but also do lots of good.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 19:1-2. 9-11.16-20b; Matthew 13:10-17)

The beginning of today’s first reading positions the Jewish Feast of Shavuot (Hebrew for Weeks) and, consequently, the Christian feast of Pentecost.  “In the third month after their departure … from Egypt” can be fifty days or a week of weeks.  It is significant not just for the theophany related in today’s reading but the bestowal of the Ten Commandments in tomorrow’s.

The Feast of Weeks occasioned pilgrims from around the Jewish world to come to Jerusalem.  The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples with like peals of thunder mentioned in the reading.  He is the New Law which recharges the Commandments so that they might be heeded.

Sometimes we wonder why we don’t have theophanies like Israel’s at Sinai or the Christian in Jerusalem.  We think that such an experience would fortify our faith.  Perhaps we do, however.  Perhaps when we meet a truly good person -- one who has lived for others all her life -- we can be sure that we are in the presence of God.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

(Exodus 16:1-5.9-16; John 20:1-2.11-18)

In one of the most touching scenes in literature Hector, the Trojan prince, visits his family before going off to battle.  His wife takes his hand and implores him to stay with them rather than back to war.  But Hector’s sense of duty compels him to fight on.  Today’s gospel showing Mary Magdalene’s clinging to Jesus parallels the passion of the ancient Greek drama.

Jesus’ words to Mary, “Stop holding on to me,” indicate both Mary’s affection for the Lord and also her incomplete understanding of his resurrection.  He has overcome death, but he will not return to his disciples as a permanent, enfleshed companion.  Rather he will ascend to his Father so that they may receive the Holy Spirit.  Recognizing this truth, Mary dutifully proclaims Jesus’ resurrection.

We too have received the Holy Spirit.  Like Mary we love the Lord and long to touch his incarnate flesh.  But for now, again like Mary, we are content to proclaim his resurrection.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Exodus 14:21-15:1; Matthew 12:46-30)

“Parish Renewal” was developed over thirty-five years ago to evangelize people already going to church.  At one point in the weekend retreat where unity is being emphasized the pastor is scripted to say, “Blood is thicker than water.” “How do we share the same blood?” the parishioners wonder.  The pastor then explains, “We all drink the blood of Christ.”

Jesus emphasizes the unity of his disciples with him in today’s gospel.  Even closer than his blood relatives, he implies, are those who accept God as Father.  They have assimilated his message.  They can be counted upon to assist the poor with whom Jesus especially identifies with.

God has given us virtual brothers and sisters in the Church who make life enjoyable and lend support in need.   Along with Jesus himself they give cause for the highest praise to God.