Monday, October 22, 2018

Monday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 12:13-21)

Both readings today speak of riches.  The Letter to the Ephesians, citing a passage from the Old Testament, says that God is “rich in mercy.”  It goes on to explain how this abundance is extended to humans in the “riches of grace” which is accessed by faith in Christ. 

The gospel offers contrasting riches.  Jesus warns the crowd not to seek material wealth with his parable about the rich farmer.  The man, who is called a fool, builds a storehouse with his surplus rather than use it to help the needy.  At the end of the story Jesus references God’s riches to exhort the people to be merciful and gracious.

The other day the lottery in our state publicized on highway billboards a $660 million jackpot.  No doubt thousands of people stopped on their way home to buy tickets.  The vast majority of us, even if we don’t want to become rich, feel the need for something more.  If we are wise and not foolish, we will seek that “more” in God’s riches.  With mercy and graciousness, we become like our Creator.  Seeing that, He will keep us as his own for all eternity.

Friday, October 19, 2018

Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and Companions, martyrs

(Ephesians 1:11-14; Luke 12:1-7)

Many think that Christ’s “passion” only refers to his suffering for our sake.  But the word “passion” indicates much more.  As Mel Gibson said when he released his famous movie, “passion” refers first to Christ’s burning love.  Passionate love moved Christ to suffer the worst of deaths so that we might enjoy the best of life.  If newcomers to the Church are not impressed by this, what can touch their hearts?

The seal or sign of our being chosen by God is received in Baptism.  There the Holy Spirit marks us – the “you” of the Ephesians passage -- as God’s own.  Now we too can look forward to eternal life.  Now we too should live for God by giving Him praise and calling others to Him.  A deceased bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth had his baptismal date inscribed on his tombstone.  He used to tell his people that it was the most important day of his life because on it the Holy Spirit adopted him into God’s family.  He might have added that on that day he received the Spirit’s grace to help transform the world.

But many of us do not remember the date of our Baptism, much less celebrate it.  Perhaps we don’t know or believe that there is anything special at all about being baptized.  We do not see that Baptism makes God our Father in a unique sense because it joins us to Christ.  We are oblivious to the truth that this relationship gives us a claim on an eternal home of joy and love.  Ephesians declares that we have already received an installment of this inheritance.  We should already be experiencing this joy and love in our communities -- family, church, and society.  Even if they are not exemplary, our challenge now is to improve the quality of these situations.  We should strive to make them places which reflect the goodness and peace of God. When they do so, no one will doubt the wonder of being a Christian.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist

(II Timothy 4:10-17b; Luke 10:1-9)

In a sense today, today we celebrate a Scripture more than a man.  We know very little about St. Luke other than what can be gleaned from his writing.  The New Testament references to him are thin.  Indeed, it cannot be said with complete certainty that the “Luke” found in the writings attributed to St. Paul is the author of the third gospel.  Nothing is known of how he died, much less of where he was born. This is said not to create skepticism but awe for the magnificent work of this evangelist.

Luke refers to himself directly only twice in his New Testament writings.  At the beginning of his gospel he says that he investigated “everything accurately anew.”  He does present much material that is not found in the other gospels – the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, for examples, as well as the Christmas story from the viewpoint of Mary.  The writings’ classical style and polished Greek indicate that Luke was well educated.  Luke emphasizes the Holy Spirit in both his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles.  Not only are there numerous references to the Spirit’s presence, but also the effects of the Spirit are manifest.  More than the other evangelists, Luke pictures Jesus and the disciples praying.  Also, he testifies to the Spirit’s uniting all people by continually including women and both the poor and the wealthy.

Luke is often referenced as the patron of physicians and artists.  We could easily see him as the sponsor of writers, scholars and charismatic prayer groups as well.  He is also a special friend of women, of the poor, and of those with great Marian devotion.  Really all Christians are indebted to him.  He deepened, expanded, and colored our knowledge of our Savior.  How can we not toast him and pray to him today?

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr

(Galatians 5:18-25; Luke 11:42-46)

The letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch come as a ray of sun shining through a miry fog.  The New Testament leaves the episcopacy in a murky state.  They detail in a limited way the qualifications for the office of bishop but say little about his functions.  St. Ignatius, who lived at the end of New Testament times, fills in the lacunae.

Ignatius clearly distinguishes the duties of bishop, priest, and deacon.  He leaves no doubt as to who is in charge.  But he has favorable words for all the ordained.  He compares the bishop with God, the Father.  For this reason he is considered the originator of the “monarchial bishop.”  He sees the priests’ role as like that of the Holy Spirit who is found sanctifying the people in all places and ways.  Deacons in Ignatius’ view are quite honored.  They are like Christ, the Savior, doing good to all whom they meet.

As much as a theologian, Ignatius is renowned as a spiritual writer.  His letters can turn deeply personal.  He reflects on his upcoming execution as an opportunity to join Christ in suffering and death.  In one memorable passage he tells Roman Christians not to interfere with his being sent to the lions.  Why? He wrote, “I am the wheat of God and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ”!  Saint Ignatius of Antioch was a martyr and a bishop, a wise man and a holy man.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time

(Galatians 5:1-6; Luke 11:37-41)

All great religions stress the importance of almsgiving.  It is one of the five obligations of every Muslim.  Jews find testimony of it in their Scriptures written in the last centuries before Christ.  Jesus speaks of its importance to cleansing the soul in today’s gospel.  Then why do people have such difficulty giving money to the poor?

The reason is not hard to imagine.  Often enough recipients of alms do not use them for basic needs.  Rather they purchase peripheral goods and sometimes harmful substances.  As much as this is the case giving alms implicates one in an evil.  But there are other ways to help those begging assistance.

Perhaps befriending the poor, listening to the stories of their lives, and providing them with food is the best thing that can be done.  Also, when we see them on a street corner soliciting cars passing by, we might promise ourselves to send a donation to Catholic Charities or the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  Finally, praying for the poor not only secures God’s help but reminds us to do what we can.