Friday, October 7, 2022

 Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

(Galatians 3:7-14; Luke 11:15-26)

Among the many accomplishments of St. John Paul II was the addition of the luminous mysteries to the rosary.  These episodes from the ministry of Jesus testify that the rosary is not a repetitive prayer but a reflection on the gospel.  Today we give particular attention to the rosary as a prayer to the Mother of God.

Mary has long been considered the source of the rosary.  Popular devotion depicts Mary entrusting a rosary to St. Dominic.  He was, in turn, to present it to the world.  Dominican friars through the centuries have been among the most zealous promoters of the rosary.  In fact, it was a Dominican friar turned pope (St. Pius V) who promulgated the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.  After encouraging prayer with the rosary, the European fleet called by the pope defeated the Ottoman Turks to save Europe from Muslim domination.

The rosary is not too long to be said comfortably in a sitting.  It focuses either on Christ or his mother. Because it is known by most Catholics, it can be used to gather people in prayer.  Surely, it is not the only way to pray.  But it as surely a genuine way to begin our prayer.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

 Thursday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Galatians 3:1-5; Luke 11:5-13)

If any of us were to list our needs, probably no one would include the Holy Spirit.  Yet, as Jesus indicates in today’s gospel, the Holy Spirit is the most precious gift of all.  The Holy Spirit provides the joy, peace, and love that make life not only bearable but truly wonderful.

Psychologists have taken surveys to determine where people are most happy.  One might think that California’s refreshing climate would make it the place where the happiest people live.  However, according to psychological studies, the happiest people reside in the upper Midwest where family relations are strong and faith in God is often prominent.  More people there probably have the Holy Spirit.

We can and should ask God to provide for pressing needs.  Perhaps we have a sick child or are to take an important exam.  Let us pray for these intentions but never to the exclusion of the Holy Spirit.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

 Wednesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Galatians 2:1-2.7-14; Luke 11:1-4)

Cardinal George Pell has recently criticized other bishops for their capitulation to contemporary mores.  He says that Scripture is very clear that sexual activity outside marriage is wrong.  Yet many German and Belgian bishops have taken positions in support of “homosexual marriages.”  Their way of thinking would defend a radically different sexual morality than the one the Church has consistently taught.  Cardinal Pell sounds something like St. Paul in today’s first reading.

Paul gives some deference to St. Peter as one of the leaders of the Church.  Although saying that he is a reputed pillar has a touch of irony, it does acknowledge authority within the Church.  But Paul does not hesitate to criticize the first among the apostles when his practice contradicts established doctrine.  He does so not because he wishes to undermine Peter’s position but because the salvation of the Gentiles is at stake.  Paul says that influencing non-Jews in the Church to practice Jewish customs contradicts “the truth of the gospel.” 

It is hard for parents of children who cohabitate to criticize them either directly or publicly.  The issue is important because it affects profoundly the future family of the sexual partner.  Parents of the partner must be both firm and caring.  No, they probably should not disinherit their child because of it.  But neither should they allow him or her to stay with the other partner in their homes.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi

(Galatians 1:13-24; Luke 10:38-42)

The immensity of the heavens and the intricacies of physical life often challenge belief in God.  To some God seems somehow insignificant besides these physical mysteries. It might be asked then whether the achievements of science to explore the universe and to investigate the beginnings of life have put in question the existence of God.

Not by a longshot comes the answer of a true person of faith.  The problem which hampers people is “anthropocentricity.”  Many think that humans are at the center of the universe eclipsing in importance all other reality.  God, however, is much greater than humans can imagine.  Sure, God has shown particular favor to humanity, but by no means does the wonder of creation end with the human race.

St. Francis of Assisi did not suffer from such myopia.  He recognized the grandeur of the universe as at least symmetrical with the magnificence of the human person.  He called the wind, the air, and fire as well as the sun “brother” to show their prominence.  He likewise addressed water and earth as “sister” and even “mother” to indicate their wonder.  We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to God today for Francis, patron of ecology, of charity, and of Christmas.

Monday, October 3, 2022

Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Galatians 1:6-12; Luke 10:25-37)

In today’s first reading from the beginning of his Letter to the Galatians, St. Paul is obviously irritated.  He has been informed that the Galatians have begun accepting the practice of circumcision and other works of piety as the way of salvation.  Paul had taught them that these customs are inconsequential as ways to sanctity.  More likely, he indicates, they lead to arrogance.

Paul will stress in the letter that humans are saved through faith in Christ.  He will stress that pious practices count little.  It is faith in Christ’s death that brings about forgiveness of sins and belief in his resurrection that finds eternal favor with God.  By “faith” Paul does not mean lip service.  He will say toward the end of the letter that faith must be manifest through love.

We may sometimes think like the Galatians.  We wonder if it is really necessary to cultivate holiness through discipline of soul and body.  Some adopt the position that going to church when it is convenient and donating to charity when it is opportune is sufficient for salvation.  No, sporadic church attendance and marginal charity hardly constitute a following of Christ who gave himself completely to God, His Father.