Monday, October 14, 2019

Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time

(Romans 1:1-7; Luke 11:29-32)

Today’s first reading mentions two callings, two vocations.  The first belongs to Paul who is called to be an apostle.  The term means “one sent.  Jesus himself called Paul and sent him to preach the good news of God’s love to all the Gentiles.  It is a herculean task.  But Paul does not proceed without assistance.  He has been given the grace of apostleship, the Holy Spirit’s gifts.  These include truthful knowledge, caring discernment, and convincing words.  

The addressees of the Letter to the Romans receive the second calling.  They are summoned to be holy people, set apart to demonstrate the same love of God.  They also are graced by the Holy Spirit.  They can let go of egotistic desires to care for one another.  Beyond that the Spirit will bestow on them peace. They will show the world that in loving God and neighbor their greatest desires are satisfied.

We too have been called and sent.  Although we may not like to think of ourselves as pursuing holiness, that is our vocation.  Holiness is not pious posturing, but taking on Jesus’ ways.  We are to develop his selfless care for others and his prayerful dependence on God.  We are also sent into the world to tell others about God’s love.  Chiefly by our actions but also by our words we transmit the message that we are cherished beyond our own merit.  God cherishes us so much that He has destined us for eternal happiness.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Joel 1:13-15.2:1-2; Luke 11:15-26)

The “Crucifixion” by the Spanish painter Velazquez merits meditation. It shows an almost nude Christ with arms outstretched.  He does not appear to be hanging so much as presiding over the sacrifice of his own self. His long hair drapes half his face as if the painter wants to show that Christ’s humanity hides his divinity.  But his divinity shines through in the brilliance of Christ’s skin which contrasts with the totally dark background.  The painting expresses what the prophet Joel in the first reading warns Judah to prepare for.  This is “the day of the Lord.”

Velazquez may have taken his theme from any of the four gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke have the sky darken as Jesus dies on Calvary.  This accords with the darkness and gloom that Joel foresees.  The first three evangelists indicate – as John does in a distinct way – that the cross presents the moment of judgment for the world.  Those who recognize Jesus as the Son of God by the sheer graciousness of his death are saved.  Those who cannot distinguish Jesus’ goodness from the darkness of the world are doomed. 

Of course, recognition here implies willingness to conform to his ways. Jesus is, after all, our teacher, our elder brother, and our hope.  Not following him would be like not following the instructions of the pilot of a rescue ship when we are drowning in the sea.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Thursday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Malachi 3:13-20b; Luke 11:5-13)

The Book of the Prophet Malachi has traditionally sat at the end of the Old Testament.  It was probably composed during the difficult times after the return of the Jews from the Babylonian exile.  The author is actually anonymous. “Malachi” just means “my messenger.”  Biblical experts suppose that the prophet preferred to go nameless because of his harsh critique of Jerusalem’s priests and rulers. 

Today’s passage from Malachi exposes the thinking of the faithless and God’s promise to the faithful.  The faithless despair of the Law.  Not prospering after trying to keep it, they want to abandon it.  Like the proud everywhere, they find little if any need for God.  However, God promises that those who strive for justice will find salvation.  It will feel like the comforting warmth of sunrays on a winter day.  Meanwhile, God threatens the unjust with fire caused by the fierce sun of summer.

The prophecy has been fulfilled at least partially in Jesus.  He has brought comfort to the suffering in many ways.  He healed the sick.  Today Christians, the members of his body, perform countless healings and acts of charity in his name.  We may not heal physical maladies, but we can provide spiritual comfort.  By listening attentively, speaking humbly, and acting graciously we contribute to the spiritual well-being of the world.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Wednesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Jonah 4:1-11; Luke 11:1-4)

If we haven’t heard the words ourselves, we certainly have heard them spoken to others.  A father or, at least, a person with power threatens a subordinate who did something wrong.  He says, “I’m going to teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.”  In today’s first reading God teaches Jonah a lesson that he is not likely to forget either.

Jonah has successfully converted the immense city of Nineveh to the Lord.  But he is not proud, happy, or, much less, grateful for the accomplishment.  He sulks because of his prejudice against Ninevites.  God then teaches Jonah a lesson about bias.  He gives the prophet a plant which brings him comfort.  Then suddenly God takes the soothing plant away.  Jonah is upset over the loss.  God explains that as the plant was to Jonah, the people of Nineveh were to God.    Because losing the people’s trust upset Him, the Lord sent Jonah to bring them back.  The prophet should not hate Ninevites but love them as brothers and sisters in the Lord.

There are two faults with trying to teach another “a lesson that they will never forget.”  First, the one teaching is putting herself or himself in the place of God.  There are situations in which this is legitimate.  However, the person who assumes that authority should take care that he or she has a right to it.  Second and more importantly, God always acts out of love.  He wants people to repent of their sins so that they may rejoice with Him.  He does not act out of spite as does one intent on teaching another a lesson that will never be forgotten.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Tuesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 10:38-42)

Acute observers compare how yesterday’s gospel passage ended with today’s lesson.  After relating the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus told the scholar of the law, “’Go and do likewise.’”  The one who meditates on the Scriptures must also help his neighbor.  Today Jesus has the opposite message for one who spends her day helping others.

Martha is like my aunts when they prepared their house for guests.  She completes every detail.  In the process she exhausts herself and then wonders why her sister does not lend her a hand.  Of course, Mary is listening to the Lord.  But Martha does not think that it is worthy excuse and takes her complaint to Jesus.  He advises her that she must learn when to stop working and listen.

The spiritual life like most everything else is a matter of balance.  At times we must pray and listen to the word of God reverberate within us.  At other times we must act on that word with love.  Doing either of these exercises exclusive of the other will lead to imbalance and frustration.