Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church

(I Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:27-32)

It may pain a pastor to insist that their people diverge from cultural norms to live in conformity with the gospel.  The issue of artificial contraception quickly comes to mind in contemporary times.  Priests have a hard time preaching about it.  In previous generations there were others like the requirement to forgive one’s enemies or the evil of slavery.  St. Augustine echoed St. Paul in today’s first reading about the need to preach hard truths.  Paul says he did not waiver to insist that Christians “walk in a manner worthy of God.”

Augustine gave a famous sermon to priests about the ways of a true pastor.  He told them that they are not to court the favor of the people by preaching only what the people like to hear.  Rather they are to set their sights on Christ who suffered to live without sin.  In another sermon Augustine said how terrified he was as a bishop and how comforted he was as a Christian.  His reasoning was that as a Christian, he experienced God’s grace; but as a pastor, he was accountable for people’s souls. 

On this feast day of St. Augustine we might say a word to God on behalf of our pastors.  We should want God to inspire them to know His will and to provide them the strength to preach it.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Memorial of Saint Monica

(I Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 23:23-26)

The man said he was an atheist.  He added his reason.  He said that religion has been at the center of so many wars that he could no longer believe in God.  Of course, he was overlooking the overwhelming amount of physical assistance that faith-filled people have provided.  He also might have thought for a moment about the destruction wrought by godless Communists and Nazis.  Yet Jesus in today’s gospel makes a similar criticism of religious opportunists.

Jesus is disturbed by people who use religion to benefit themselves.  Evidently a considerable number of Pharisees and scribes (i.e., teachers of the Law) distort Judaism in this way.  Rather than emphasize the prophets’ call to compassion, they exploit the Law’s rules for their own benefit.  Their exploitation especially targets the poor. 

We have a double duty in regard to those who profit by religion.  We should resist them by standing firm with Jesus, the poor man and the pacifist.  He shows little patience with those who would burden others for their own benefit.   We also have to avoid an excessively harsh criticism of religion.  People have used it over the centuries to cause trouble.  But even events like the Crusades have to be analyzed in their historical contexts.  Much more characteristic of religious belief have been institutions dispensing charity to those in need. 

Monday, August 26, 2019

Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(I Thessalonians 1:1-5.8b-10; Matthew 23:13-22)

Humanists have lamented how letter-writing is slipping into oblivion.  With the advent of email people no longer take time to gather thoughts, feelings and desires in a single discourse.  If this form of writing had not existed two thousand years ago, the Church would be deprived of much of the New Testament as we know it.  Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, from which today’s first reading is taken has this literary form.  It also is the oldest document of the New Testament.

In the passage Paul encourages the Thessalonians by congratulating them for their faith.  He supports their belief by saying that he has spoken of it to others.  Finally, he emphasizes the election of the Thessalonians as followers of Christ.  He tells them that they no longer worship powerless idols but the living God.

Whether or not we write letters, we should tell others of our experience of faith.  It is not a private matter but the means of salvation for the whole world.  We want to say how faith gives us both support in trial and a rule of life.  Our messages may not reach millions like the apostle Paul’s.  But they may provide critical help top those whom we especially love.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima, virgin

(Ruth 1:1.3-6.14b-66.22; Matthew 22:34-40)

The significance of today’s readings may be found in the life of St. Rose of Lima.  She completely dedicated herself to God and neighbor.  Like Ruth she would never abandon the Lord who created her.  Rose demonstrated her love for God by fasting and other penitential acts.  She also took care of the needy by making of her small quarters an infirmary for the sick.

There are many women like Rose of Lima.  One lived in a resort city of Cuba.  She organized a charity service that brought dozens of infirm people a breakfast of coffee, cereal and milk every day.  She also took care of her mother who was in a persistent vegetative state.  She kept the aged woman clean and maintained the feeding tube which gave her mother sustenance. 

It is often a trying task to love both God and neighbor.  Even today with all the conveniences at our disposal such love challenges us.  Sometimes, unfortunately, the conveniences divert us from giving ourselves to others in love.  We stand in the need of God’s assistance to fulfill the commands He imposes.  We must never forget that the commands are given in love.  By them God prepares us for eternal life.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Judges 11:29-39a; Matthew 21:1-14)

Human misunderstanding of God’s will is at least as old as the Bible.  In today’s first reading the Israeli judge Jephthah thinks that the sacrifice of a human person will somehow please God.  He defies both revealed and natural law in order to make one. Jephthah does not desist even when he discovers that the victim will be his only daughter. 

To many the wedding guest in today’s gospel parable is a victim of poverty.  They say that he should not have been punished because he was too poor to own a wedding garment.  However, wedding garments at the time were not a luxury but available to everyone.  The man is rightly seen as an ingrate who defies the graciousness of his host.  The parable may be seen as an allegory.  As one is obliged to wear proper dress to a wedding banquet, people must confess their sins to be admitted to heaven. 

Understanding God’s will is a matter of reflection and action.  We read the Scriptures to learn what God has ordained in writing.  Very important as well are the commentaries by bishops, especially the popes, and theologians.  We also must act on our conclusions.  If our interpretation of God’s will is on the mark, our action will bring about true good.