Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(I Kings 1:1-10; Mark 7:14-23)

We think of wisdom as knowledge of the nature of things.  But in ancient times wisdom was more practical.  It was closely associated with the ability to successfully accomplish undertakings.  The architect of a useful bridge was said to be wise and an accomplished painter as well.  The first reading today speaks of two wise people. 

Solomon is always associated with wisdom.  He is credited with having authored the Bible’s Book of Wisdom as well as the Book of Proverbs.  His wisdom enabled him to oversee a large kingdom with a complex court life.  The Queen of Sheba should be seen as wise as well.  She traded in spices so that her land, the legendary Sheba, supplied culinary enhancers the world over.

We want to develop a wisdom that pleases the Lord.  It is more than just “helping others” or “avoiding sin.”  We have to sustain these activities through the ups and downs of life.  Knowing our talents and limits and recognizing others’ virtues and vices give us balance for the long haul.  Such knowledge is more a skill than a science.  We develop it by following the wise and practicing their ways daily.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(I Kings 8:22-23.27-30; Mark 7:1-13)

A priest sometimes greeted parishioners coming to mass with a coffee cup in his hand.  When the people asked him about fasting for one hour before Communion, the priest became defensive.  He said that the fast was man’s law, not God’s, and that humans may suspend it.  Is this what Jesus is telling the Pharisees in today’s gospel?

The Pharisees followed the tradition of the elders which served a legitimate purpose.  Dietary customs were followed so that the sacred law would never be violated.  Jesus is not directing himself to the customs but to the cynicism of the Pharisees.  They criticize a divergence from custom on part of Jesus’ disciples (not Jesus himself) while failing to keep a commandment.  It is like someone forgetting to say “thank you” being condemned by another who embezzles thousands.

So what should we conclude about that priest?  The Church imposes the fast before Holy Communion to promote conscientious reception of the sacrament.  It may be dispensed in an urgent situation.  However, the Church’s authority to instruct what is proper should be regularly heeded.

Monday, February 10, 2020

Memorial of Saint Scholastica, virgin

(I Kings 8:1-7.9-13; Mark 6:53-56)

Today the Church remembers St. Scholastica.  She was the sister of the great St. Benedict, credited with founding western monasticism.  Scholastica herself founded a community of women dedicated to prayer.  Evidently little more is known about her except for a humorous story told by pope St. Gregory the Great.  During a fraternal visit when Benedict wanted to leave his sister, heavy rains delayed his departure.  Scholastica attributed the inclemency to the Lord’s wish that he visit with her longer.

Perhaps something could be said here about nuns.  Many confuse nuns with religious sisters.  Nuns are the feminine counterparts of monks.  They dedicate their lives to prayer where religious sisters are known for their apostolic activity.  Residences of nuns are usually called monasteries although smaller communities may be said to live in convents.  Some male religious orders have an auxiliary arm of nuns praying for their apostolic activities.  Franciscan, Dominican, and, especially, Carmelite nuns have been formed according to the rule of the founder(s) of their male associates.

Today’s first reading treats the celebration that accompanied the dedication of Solomon’s temple.  Israel is exuberant over the establishment of a fitting place to worship God.  The Lord will abide in its confines to assist the people who come to pray there.  Nuns and monks give perpetual witness to these activities that all Christian should perform.  We all need to adore the Lord and seek His help.

Friday, February 7, 2020

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Sirach 47:2-11; Mark 6:14-29)

The Gospel of Luke pictures John the Baptist and Jesus related by blood.  At least, their mothers are said to be kinswomen.  Today’s gospel passage from Mark has the two related in another way.  It describes John’ capricious execution as anticipating Jesus’ death on a cross.

John like Jesus after him is not afraid of speaking truth to power.  He tells Herod that it was wrong for him to marry his brother’s wife.  The judgment does not rile Herod as much as his wife Herodias.  She manipulates a situation to have John beheaded.  Being questioned by the high priest at his trial, Jesus will tell him that he is the Son of God.  His statement incurs the judgment that he must die.

It can be costly to speak truth.  But it is not as costly as telling lies.  Although lies may save us some trouble, they come back to haunt us.  More importantly, they also betray our Lord and Savior.  Jesus’ telling and living the truth about God, his father, ended in the cross.  It brought about his glory and our salvation.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and companions, martyrs

(I Kings 2:1-4.10-12; Mark 6:7-13)

An old Christian hymn reminds us that it is a gift to be simple and free.  Today’s gospel points to the efficacy of such a lifestyle.

Jesus sends his apostles to preach the good news.  They are not to carry anything “just in case…”  Rather they are to cast themselves on God’s Providence.  Nothing is said either about teaching the truths of the faith or morality.  The apostles are simply to proclaim God’s love by word and deed.  Regarding deeds, they will anoint the people to strengthen their faith which facilitates healing.  There will be a return to physical wholeness in many cases.  More importantly, the people will experience a right relationship with the Lord.  That is, they will recognize how God provides for them as they look out for God’s creation.

St. Paul Miki and companions were apostles to the people of Japan.  They announced God’s love by word and deed.  They did not flinch with the threat of suffering for God.  Rather they knew that death for God would strengthen their testimony.  It would also bring them complete intimacy with him in eternal life.