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| “Saint Scholastica, Artist and date are UNKNOWN |
Commentary:
Reading I: 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34
Commentary on 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34
Following the breakup of the Davidic Kingdom under Solomon’s rule, Jeroboam, fearing for his own life, tries to insure that the kingdom will not be reunited. To insure the people do not reunite, he creates graven images and temples other than the temple in Jerusalem. He violates Mosaic Law on numerous points and, because he is unrepentant and has led many to sin against God, he and his line are doomed to be wiped out.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106:6-7ab, 19-20, 21-22
R. (4a) Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
Commentary on Ps 106:6-7ab, 19-20, 21-22
Psalm 106 is a national lament. The psalmist recalls the times the chosen people failed to follow the Law of Moses. Instead they were seduced by foreign religions and barbaric practices. The flight of the Hebrews from Egypt is remembered and how the people lost faith and sinned – creating graven images even thought they had been rescued by God’s mighty hand at the Red Sea.
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Gospel: Mark 8:1-10
Commentary on Mk 8:1-10
This selection describes one of the major miracles, the multiplication of loaves and fishes. There are actually two accounts; (Mark 8:1-10 above and Mark 6:31-44). It is proposed by some scholars that this is actually the same event told from two different traditions, but regardless, the implication is Eucharistic.
Much can be speculated about this event. The number of the loaves being seven would seem to indicate, through Hebrew numerology, the fullness of loaves was present. The fact that they all ate until they were satisfied (spiritually?) would indicate that the meal was complete. The fragments left over filled seven baskets; again that perfect number is used.
CCC: Mk 8:6 1329
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Reflection
It is said that those who ignore the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them. This is a wise saying, and one we take to heart as we examine the fall of Solomon and the subsequent machinations of Jeroboam. We step back today because we have been watching this saga unfold for the past weeks. We saw the rise of King David, and how God anointed him. With the exception of the one big mistake with Bathsheba, he was faithful to what God asked of him and even in sin he was repentant. The people saw this and followed him.
Next came his son Solomon, a good and wise young man, filled with dedication to the people. His prayer brought him wisdom and wealth, power over the whole domain and even as the power of leadership came to him, like his father he abused it. In Solomon’s case, he married foreign women and adopted pagan religious practices which caused his fall from grace. He fell not just because of his excesses, but because he failed to provide an example of faith to those who looked to him.
Jeroboam seized upon this weakness and, because there was no credible central leader (Solomon having betrayed the Law of Moses), he was able to widen the gulf between the people and God’s Law. He committed the sin of Aaron (Exodus 32:1-6), building not one but two golden calves. He told the people they did not have to go to the Temple in Jerusalem as the Law required (see Exodus 23:14ff) (that was a difficult journey and he offered an easier alternative). Because it was easier, and because it was more in line with their baser instincts, the people followed Jeroboam into sin.
Does this sound familiar? Do the elements ring of more recent failures? When civic leaders offer more comfortable alternatives, when they tell us our God is not a Just God, but his rules are too harsh and they offer us more pleasant alternatives, are we not on the same path? When our leaders tell us that God would not want us to have children we did not plan for, or when they tell us the potential for human life should be sacrificed in the name of science so others might live more pleasant lives, are we not walking the same path as those who followed Jeroboam so eagerly?
Moral leadership is something we need at all levels, not just in the federal government. We need it locally and we need it in our schools, our workplaces, and in our homes – the Domestic Church. Ultimately it is our responsibility to lead based upon Christ’s law of love. It is our responsibility to challenge those who offer an easier way that leads to death. The life of the Christian may never be an easy one, but if we are faithful, it will last an eternity.
Pax
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