The Sky is Falling

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church

Biographical Information about St. John Chrysostom
Readings for Wednesday

Reading 1 1 Cor 7:25-31,
Responsorial Psalm, R. “Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.”
Ps 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17,
Gospel Lk 6:20-26

Reflection:

It is on days such as today that I wish I had the wisdom and words of the Saint we memorialize today, St. John (Golden Mouth) Chrysostom. He would have had the words to make the scripture sing.

Today, Paul walks on dangerous ground today. It is clear from this part of his letter to the Church at Corinth that he believes the return of the Lord is at hand. Predicting the end times, the eschaton, is dangerous even in vague terms as Paul does. People become frightened and react badly. There was a news article yesterday that brings that point home (see World doesn't end, sect upset). Paul tells the Church, clearly in response to a question, that if one is not married, it is his “advice” not to marry. He also tells the people that if they already are married, not to dissolve that relationship. All his instructions are focused on the idea that the end is at hand.

So, is there a practical application of Paul’s instruction today? We can link it back to a couple of the parables; the ten virgins would seem appropriate. We should always behave as if this was the last day from the standpoint of our desire to stand before the Lord in a state of grace. We would do well to make sure that our affairs are always in order because we do not know the day or the hour.

The Gospel today is in stark contrast to Paul’s rather gloomy prediction. We hear the Luken version of the Sermon on the Plain (Yes, that is how scholars refer to it, contrasted against St. Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:27)). and once more are given the beatitudes to reflect upon.

St. Luke does one thing that Matthew does not. Luke contrasts the beatitudes that bless the poor, the hungry, the weeping and those who are persecuted with their opposite members; the rich, those who are filled, those who laugh, and those held in high esteem.

According to the scholars again, the reason for this “Woes” part of the sermon is that, unlike the Sermon on the Mount, this one is directed to the disciples and the woes are directed at those who do not recognize the spiritual value of the Kingdom of God.

We don’t want to turn this into a scripture study so let’s move again to the practical. The beatitudes give hope to those who are in dire straits or are suffering. They are a constant reminder that in times when we need the support of God, he is there. We all have those times and it is a great comfort for us to be reminded that our help is in the Lord and that tears will turn to laughing and mourning to joy in Him who makes all things right.

Pax