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| “Saint Benedict” by Fra Angelico,1387 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Isaiah 1:10-17
Commentary on Is 1:10-17
This is the introductory oracle (vision) of the Prophet Isaiah (the Book of Judgment as it is called by scholars). It is set in against defeat of the northern kingdom by Assyria (722 BC) and the threat to Jerusalem some years later. Having previously compared the state of religious fidelity of Israel and Judah to Sodom and Gomorrah, here, the prophet continues to use that comparison to express the Lord’s displeasure over their attempts to appease him through religious acts, while the people's actions and behaviors are wicked (“Your hands are full of blood”). He calls the people to repent and return to the values of the Law of Moses.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Commentary on Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
Psalm 50 has what is known as a “Prophetic Liturgy” structure. It was probably used as part of one of the Hebrew feasts (most likely dealing with the renewal of the covenant, possibly the Feast of Tabernacles). It is also considered a “covenant lawsuit,” that is a lament against those who have violated God’s law and the covenant made with the Lord upon which the law was based. Echoing the charges leveled against Israel by the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 1:10-17), the psalmist condemns empty ritual and sacrifice not reflective of external actions and internal faith.
The psalm is didactic. Although sacrifice is mentioned, it is more the sincerity of those offerings in homage to God that is in question: “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” The psalmist calls the people to authentic action that will merit God’s salvation. God wants genuine obedience and sincere praise. He rebukes the hypocritical worshiper. Used in conjunction with 1 Samuel 15:16-23, we can see this as a pronouncement against Saul’s rationalization about the will of God.
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Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1
Commentary on Mt 10:34-11:1
The final remarks of Jesus to the Apostles, as they go out to preach and heal, are given in this passage from St. Matthew’s Gospel. He reminds them that, even though the word they spread reflects God’s love, they will be badly received by many, dividing households and families.
The Lord goes on to tell them that those who will fully accept him and his word will undergo persecution because of him. And, even if they lose their lives on his account, they will be saved. The reward given to those who accept the Word and follow in his way will be great in heaven.
This discourse, recalled many years after Christ’s death and resurrection, has the advantage of seeing the persecution of those who spread the word. It demonstrates a fuller understanding of the meaning of Christ’s teaching.
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Reflection:
Consider for a moment how your father of mother might feel if they were non-Christian, and you pointedly had to tell them that serving Christ was more important than your obligation to them as their son/daughter. In a non-Christian society, where familial obligations played hugely important roles, telling one’s parents something like this would be seen as traitorous. Likewise, foregoing opportunities to gather personal wealth in favor of serving God in Christ would be seen as at best frivolous, and at worst insane.
What we must realize is that the Gospel tells us that Christ must be first in our lives. He must be first in spite of what society will think of us. He must be first in spite of the difficulty that priority may present in family, in school, or at work. And to that point, the Gospel tells us that it will cause problems for us in our lives. But it is what we are called to be.
Today our fervent prayer is that we have the faith and grace to put the Lord first, and when necessary make the difficult choices to place God’s glory above the success admired in the secular society of which we are a part. May we always show the face of Christ to a world divided by its own greed.
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