Thursday, May 19, 2016

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(James 5:1-6; Mark 9:41-50)

Both readings today demonstrate the Scripture’s use of exaggeration for emphasis.  Such language should not be taken literally.  Rather common sense should temper extreme commands and judgments. 

In the reading from the Letter of James the author tells all the rich that they will end in misery.  He implies that everyone with wealth has extorted the poor.  Of course, this position is outrageous.  Still, seeking wealth as the heart’s desire runs the risk of greed and selfishness.  Everyone – the rich, the poor, and persons in the middle – should become “poor in spirit” as the responsorial psalm says.  That is, all people should look to God as their principal resource of sustenance in life.

In the gospel Jesus tells his disciples that if their hand, foot, or eye causes them to sin, they should rid themselves of the organ.  Taken literally, such a command would contradict natural law.  Jesus means to emphasize the necessity that those with authority in the Church must never lead others astray.  Less colorfully we might say the clergy must avoid giving scandal by not misusing community funds, by not walking in places of ill-repute, and by not lusting after any one.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(James 4:13-17; Mark 9:38-40)

Wise people realize the difference between self-control and thinking of oneself in control.  Self-control --the ability to control one’s desires -- enables a person to work for the true goals in life.  Thinking oneself completely in control of a situation implies arrogance since there are always factors –weather, other natural contingencies, and a host of human possibilities – that can affect outcomes.  In today’s first reading James cautions against such arrogance.

James admonishes his listeners to recognize God as the one with power over heaven and earth, not any human being.  He tells them to be humble in their speech; that is, they are to say, “’If the Lord wills it …’” before declaring what will take place tomorrow.  Developing this habit will not only avoid the sin of arrogance; it will also give testimony to belief in God’s sovereignty.

But is it necessary to include the reservation -- “God-willing” -- in everything we say?  Not really.  But we should be humble with regard to future possibilities.  We also want to pray that God will guide us to do what is right.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(James 4:1-10; Mark 9:30-37)

Mark Twain must have written the “War Prayer” at an especially dark moment.  The short story cynically excoriates praying for victory in battle.  Its argument is simple: if a congregation prays that its soldiers triumph, it is also praying that its enemies’ soldiers are destroyed.  The logic of the story is how could a God of love entertain such an outrageous request?  Twain’s “War Prayer” gives echo to the passage from the Letter of James in today’s first reading.

This is one of the parts of James’ letter best described as diatribe. James unreservedly chastises the people for its excesses.  In this case he tells them that they wage war and then pray for the wrong things.  Rather than looking for victory in war, he would tell them to sow seeds of peace. The overall intent of the passage is consistent with the gospel message of repentance and renewal.

We are faced with a challenge much greater than reframing our prayers so that they do not offend God.  We must be vigilant about living in accord with the gospel.  Jesus taught us to pray for our persecutors.  This does not mean that we ask that they triumph in battle.  Rather we pray that they follow the righteous path of enemy love on which we have embarked.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(James 3:13-18; Mark 9:14-29)

For the Golden State Warriors Steve Curry seems to be the player to trust when the team needs to score.  There may be others who have more points on a particular night or who are less covered.  But Curry is the man to go to in the clutch.  In life we similarly put our faith in Jesus when we are in need.  Today’s gospel shows him delivering where others fail.

The father of the boy possessed by a demon feels desperate.  He goes to Jesus because he has nowhere else to turn.  If his son is not relieved soon, he might kill himself.  Does he believe that Jesus can help him?  As he says, “’I do believe, help my unbelief.’”  His wanting faith, however, is enough.  Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit to save the boy.

We should not hesitate to take to Jesus our needs.  He will help us even if we do not get what we request.  Trusting in him, even half-heartedly, will leave us better off.  This entails beseeching Jesus in prayer.  There we will ask ourselves what we really want from God and will find Jesus providing it.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

(Acts 25:13b-21; John 21:15-19)

The retired fisherman explained to his guest what his life was like.  He said that he set out to sea in the middle of the night.  There he placed his nets and waited for them to fill up.  Then he hauled in his catch and brought the fish to market.  He was one with nature, close to God, feeling free and challenged to transcend human limitations.  In the gospel today Jesus tells Peter to give up this vigorous life for the more troubling task of serving his people.

Jesus calls Peter “’Simon, son of John’” to indicate the seriousness of his request.  Then he poses the question, “’…do you love me more than these?’” “These” likely refers to the boat and gear that Peter uses in fishing.  When Peter assures Jesus that he does, Jesus issues his order to feed his flock.  But he is demanding of Peter more than that he abandon a fulfilling livelihood.  Because he will be taking Jesus’ place, Jesus is preparing Peter to give up his life. 

“Mary, do you love me more than your job teaching?”  “Joseph, do you love me more than work programming computers?”  We should hear Jesus asking of each of us a similar question.  No, he is likely not going to tell us to give up our occupations.  But he does want us to prioritize.  We are to love him first – more than husband or wife, job or career, food or sport.  When we do so, we will find that we will be able to love everyone and everything, even ourselves, all the better.