Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Background on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary[1]

Readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

In this selection from the Revelation of St. John, we see the image of the Virgin Mary about to give birth to the Messiah. This portrayal, with images taken from Genesis and symbols of the twelve tribes of Israel, shows the Jesus being born of Mary and the Hebrew Nation. The dragon (which is the first one to be depicted) represents the secular governments at the time – Herod and Rome.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16
R. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

The queen identified in this passage is Jerusalem, central to the Jewish faith. Offered here, we see her (Jerusalem) as analog to Mary who brought forth the Christ.

Reading II 1 Cor 15:20-27

As part of the tableau painted on the Feast of the Assumption, we find St. Paul reminding us that Christ is the King, in heaven and on earth, and that all things (including his Mother who will be Queen of Heaven) are subject to him.

Gospel Lk 1:39-56

Following the Annunciation of Christ’s birth by Gabriel and Mary’s acceptance of God’s invitation, we find her going to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who is also with child (John the Baptist). Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband, will already have been stricken dumb because of his unbelief (a silence broken only at the naming of his son). The women meet and we hear two of the great professions of faith.

The first of this is by Elizabeth as she names Mary theotokis, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Mary’s response is the Canticle of Mary or the Magnificat.

Reflection:

As Disciples of Christ, we take this day to reflect on the singular honor bestowed on the Mother of God, Mary. We believe, as an article of our faith that, because of her pure faith that accepted God’s will so lovingly, she was taken bodily to heaven. There she assumes a place of honor above all the saints as Queen of Heaven.

This understanding of our faith is arrived at through deduction and tradition rather than Holy Scripture. Yes, we see today the holiness of the Mother of God. We see how she humbly accepts the servant role with which she is honored by God. We hear the imagery with which St. John paints her as Queen in Heaven and we can see in the Psalms, much as we see signs of Christ, portents of the Mother’s role.

While we see all the signs in Holy Scripture of Mary’s special stature and reward, there is nothing explicit about her dormition (but then there is nothing explicit explaining the Trinity either, our understanding of the Triune God was also deduced by prayer and revelation in the early Church) there are written works that speak of the event we celebrate. Two excellent resources are The Assumption of Mary from the Apocrypha and Cyril of Jerusalem, Homily on the Dormition.

What is important for us on this holy day is to remember that Mary, in her life, gave us an example of the servant’s role surpassed only by her Son who is the Son of God. She accepted the potential humiliation and death possible for an unwed mother of her time. She did not look for a place of honor and showed us that her greatest honor was also her greatest sorrow as she stood at the foot of the Cross.

We hear in her song today all the reasons she was accorded the singular honor of being taken bodily to heaven as tradition holds. The truly important part of this celebration is for us to see her example of faith in God and faith in her son, Jesus, and to attempt to follow that example. (O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!).

Pax
[1] The picture used today is Assumption of the Virgin, by Juan Martin Cabezalero, 1665-70
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Memorial of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

Biographical Information about St. Maximilian Kolbe[1]

Reading for the Memorial of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Dt 31:1-8

In this passage from Deuteronomy, Moses passes the leadership of the Children of Israel to Joshua. Because of his long standing image as the one who could speak face to face with God and because he was told that he would not lead them on this final part of the journey, he tells them that God Himself will precede them into the land that was promised to them.

Responsorial Psalm Deuteronomy 32:3-4ab, 7, 8, 9 and 12
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.

In this psalm of praise for God’s salvation we hear the pledge of Moses again, that God himself would lead them into the land promised to the Children of Israel (who was once named Jacob).

Gospel Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Jesus, in this selection from St. Matthew’s Gospel, summarizes what is known as “church order”. It is called this because, in response to the question “who will be greatest in the Kingdom of heaven, Jesus refutes the rank and privilege of the secular world and indicates that those whose faith is like a small child will find greatness in heaven. He goes on to remind them that angles of God watch over these children and that there is no greater sin than leading a child to sin. Nor is there a greater duty than seeking a child who is lost (to sin).

Reflection:

The readings and, indeed, the memorial of St. Maximilian we celebrate today speak of the leadership of God’s people. This leadership principle starts with the first reading as the mantle of leadership of the children of Israel is passed from Moses to Joshua in accordance with God’s wishes (remember the promise God made when Moses failed to draw water from the rock at Merihah on the fist try).

The focus of Moses' discourse is to remind the people that God himself leads them and that He will not fail to provide for them. To take his place he appoints Joshua as guide for the final leg of their journey and reminds him as well to trust in God’s promise.

Leadership is also implicit in the reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus tells those seeking the Kingdom of God that in order to take a place of honor there, one must become as a small child. That means that like a small child, faith must be absolute. In a child, there is no questioning; when their father asks them to do something they do not question “Is he right?” No, they follow his direction. This innocent faith is the way to the Kingdom of heaven and the Lord tells us that those with that faith have angles watching over them, keeping them from harm.

Then he instructs the leaders of the flock, saying that they must never lead one of the innocents astray. He tells us that to do so is the worst possible sin and the punishment will be swift and remorseless.

Any of us who are parents find this passage very sobering. We are charged with leading our children in the faith. The Rite of Infant Baptism enjoins us seven times to be the first and best teachers of our children. We are told that we teach them by what we say and do. This task, of course, falls to those outside the home in the faith community as well. Children and those with child like faith look to us to see the example of a lived faith we demonstrate. It is one of the most compelling instructions we have for doing our very best to follow the precepts set down. Leading one of these astray through our actions, after all, will cost us a great price.

Today our prayer is this, that we be the best teachers of the faith in what we say and do. We pray that those children or childlike in their faith will see our example and be lead unalterably to the Father’s throne where we hope to join them with all the angles and saints.

Pax
[1] The picture today is St. Maximilian Kolbe, no photographer is cited.
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints Pontian, Pope, and Hippolytus, priest, Martyrs

Biographical Information about St. Pontian
Biographical Information about St. Hippolytus

Readings for Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Dt 10:12-22

Continuing Moses’ discourse to the tribes, he reminds them of the articles of the Covenant under which they are bound; to love and serve the Lord because he is above all that is. He goes on to remind them that God created the universe and selected the children of Israel as his special people. He watches over them and has allowed them to thrive and become numerous.

Key to this passage is the statement “Circumcise your hearts…”. We note that during this period circumcision was not practiced by the Hebrews as they were nomadic. But once installed in the promised land the tradition was reestablished and has inclusive significance into the faith community. The term applied here enjoins the tribes to mark themselves visibly as attached to God.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Psalm 127 is a hymn of praise. It links to the first reading with its reference to the people being the special chosen ones by God most high.

Gospel Mt 17:22-27

Jesus begins this passage with his second Passion Prediction. It is followed by a unique exchange between Jesus and Peter regarding the payment of the temple tax. (Each Jewish male over 19 was required to pay a half shekel tax for temple upkeep before 70 AD). While this section probably addresses an issue within the early Church about whether Jewish Christians should pay such a tax, we look at the miraculous means by which the Lord proposed that tax be paid and note that it was not just for himself but Peter, the Rock, as well.

Reflection:

Today’s scripture is very complex theologically. We choose therefore to reflect today upon Christ’s instruction to Peter and how Peter was to go and purchase a fish. We note that the fish was an early Christian symbol for Jesus. And inside that fish would be a coin that would pay for not only the Lord’s temple tax but Peter’s as well. The price he paid was in essence for all of us.

There is no way of telling if we should assume there was a practical meaning for the early Church as it related to the temple or post 70 AD when he Romans reintroduced the tax to pay for the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus. We can however be assured, especially as this discourse immediately follows the Lord’s prediction of the passion, that the price he paid for us was extreme and for all time.

If there were one like Moses here today, he would be standing in front of us (as Moses did with the tribes) reminding us that we are called to be the Lord’s chosen people. We were redeemed by His blood and that through him our tax was paid. Moses would tell us, as he told those ancient forefathers to “circumcise our hearts” become visibly attached to the faith we profess and the faith we were given with so high a price.

Today we pray that we are worthy to be called Christian, followers of the Lord, the Only Son of God who, for our sins, paid twice the tax that we might have life.

Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used is Christ Predicts His Passion by Hesdin of Amiens 1450-55

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Wis 18:6-9

This passage is part of what is known as the Fifth Diptych (a hinged two-leaved tablet used in ancient times for writing on with a stylus), a reflection on God’s salvation as he first chose and then led the children of Israel out of Egypt. Reference is made to the time before the Passover and the sacrifices made by those who had not seen the Exodus, and following it.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Psalm 33 is a hymn of praise in which God as creator is celebrated. In this selection the just are invited to share the Lord’s salvation and are promised his protection.

Reading II Heb 11:1-2, 8-19

This reading from the Hebrews addresses the faith needed to accept that the resurrection is offered to the faithful. It starts with St. Paul’s definition of faith (Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen). It continues with an example of faith from God’s relationship with mankind, Abraham and his miraculous role as father of nations. All his descendents never saw the promise of the resurrection – but died in faith and so have been invited to share.

The passage concludes with the example of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac and his consequent understanding that God was able to raise those asleep in death.

Or Heb 11:1-2, 8-12

The optional shorter form does not include the final example of Abraham’s faithful response to God’s request that he offer Sarah’s first son Isaac as sacrifice. This additional pair of verses provides a description of how Abraham came to understand God’s power to raise the dead and would like the Hebrews closely to the resurrection apologetic.

Gospel Lk 12:32-48

The longer form of the Gospel from St. Luke today explains the example that follows and is the heart of the shorter form. Jesus tells his disciples that the most valuable prize is given to them and that all their worldly possessions amount to nothing in comparison. He tells them that the treasure they hold most dearly will define them to the world.

Or Lk12:35-40

The idea of placing constant faithfulness first (most importantly present) is given as the moral of the Lord’s parable. Peter questions whether the parable is meant for everyone of just for he disciples he is addressing. The Lord then clarifies that any who would inherit the Kingdom of God must be constantly faithful to the Lord’s precepts. He goes on to conclude that no one may know the day or the hour that they will be called to account. He concludes telling the disciples, who have been given much in their association with the Christ, that to those which much is given, even more is expected. Essentially telling them that they must be examples to everyone even each other.

Reflection:

The very powerful Gospel injunction from St. Luke’s Gospel drives the theme today. There is actually a logic progression present in the selection we are given rather than a single point to be made. That progression links two key verses;

“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

And:

“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Between these two statements, through the use of allegory and parable, the Lord drives home the fact that the most important gift ever received is the gift of the Kingdom of God. With that gift comes God’s Law, given through a long line of prophets and patriarchs to the people of faith. We see a glimpse of this history in the first reading from the Book of Wisdom. Rejoicing in that gift, the faithful will be a gift to the world and will be seen as blessed (Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be).

We have all seen the truth of this pronouncement by the Lord. When we look around at our brothers and sisters with whom we have daily contact, don’t we see in them what they treasure? Can’t we easily see where their passions lie? If they love material things, there will be trophies of those things were ever they are. Whether it be pictures of their prized possessions on their desks or if all they do is directed to maintaining what they have or obtaining more, the signs are there. What they put first in their lives will be celebrated by them constantly. For us that means that, if we truly put the Kingdom of God first in our lives, those with whom we have contact should be well aware of that as well. Our question is, does that show?

By the very nature of our love and our passion we will either accept that we must be constantly prepared to meet the judgment promised in the Gospel or we will accept that we must reorient our priorities. We don’t know when and were our life’s accomplishments will be held up in front of that great judge. What was made clear in that passage today is that, at our resurrection we, all of us who are faithful, will not be held to the same measure. No, that last verse in the Gospel hits us right between the eyes. “Much will be required by the person entrusted with much.” If we start to get cocky or condescending saying, “I am so much better at practicing my faith than that person. I will surely get a place of honor in the next life” we are in for a big surprise. The Lord does not give us an easy path, he expects us to work hard with what we have. (I would not want to be the Pope.)

Today the logic brings us to our final place. What we are given must be used as well as we can. It should be apparent to all we meant that we have been given this gift. It will be what we are asked for on the last day. Let us pray that we pass that test.

Pax

[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is The Worship of Mammon, by Evelyn De Morgan, 1909

Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin

Biographical Information about St. Clair[1]

Readings for the Memorial fo St. Claire[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Dt 6:4-13

The tale of Moses leading the children of Israel (Jacob) fast forwards to an important event. Moses begins this passage this passage giving the tribes the Shema Yisrael, arguably the most important of all Jewish prayers. It embodies the whole of Mosaic Law and is quoted by Christ as “the greatest and the first commandment,” summarizing the whole law of God.

He reminds the people that the land they will inherit is already prepared for habitation and that God expects to be remembered for the salvation he has brought them.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 47 and 51
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

Psalm 18 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. The strophes we are given today sound like a love song to God as David thanks the Lord for his inheritance.

Gospel Mt 17:14-20

This story of the possessed boy is a shortened version of the story from St. Mark’s Gospel. Here there is little background given and the focus instead is on lack of faith. Jesus comments directed to the disciples, indicate their faith was insufficient to drive out the demon and the speech envisions a time when they may be able to “move mountains” with stronger faith.

Reflection:

Nothing can be accomplished of an enduring and positive nature without God’s support and will. This message is echoed in both the first reading from Deuteronomy and the Gospel of St. Matthew. In Deuteronomy, Moses begins his address to the people with the words:

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone!
Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
and with all your soul,
and with all your strength.

These words speak to an attitude of love of God. Moses tells the people to bind that attitude in the minds and hands (Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead). It is through their actions that they will be known as Children of God. It is only though him that their works take on meaning. Moses concludes by reminding them that God has been the source of their salvation and that must be constantly before them.

The Lord is more pragmatic in the Gospel of Matthew. We hear of the cure of the boy possessed by a demon and, while it is not staked in the story from Matthew, it is implied that the disciples had tried unsuccessfully to expel it from the boy. Jesus, clearly frustrated (probably as much at the evil one for continuing to test him as at the disciples who did not yet posses the faith to accomplish the task at hand) drives the demon out almost it seems without effort. He then tells the disciples in not uncertain terms that if they have (absolute) faith in God, a faith the size of a mustard seed, they could move mountains.

If we question this radical seeming statement (“Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”) we see the truth of it later as the Apostles prove their power showing use what is possible with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

Today we are given another example of how God, if allowed to act through us, can move mountains as we meditate upon the works of St. Clare. Her actions and those of her followers show us the truth with which this reflection began; “Nothing can be accomplished of an enduring and positive nature without God’s support and will.” The inverse is also true, with God anything is possible.

Pax
[1] The picture today is St Clare with the Scene of the Siege of Assisi (detail), by Giuseppe Cesarii
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

Biographical Information about St. Lawrence[1]

Readings for the Feast of Saint Lawrence[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 2 Cor 9:6-10

We give you, as part of the commentary on this reading, the footnote from the NAB on Paul’s call for action from the community at Corinth;

“The behavior to which he exhorts them is grounded in God's own pattern of behavior. God is capable of overwhelming generosity, as scripture itself attests (2 Cor 9:9), so that they need not fear being short. He will provide in abundance, both supplying their natural needs and increasing their righteousness. Paul challenges them to godlike generosity and reminds them of the fundamental motive for encouragement: God himself cannot be outdone.”

Given on the Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon, this is a special reminder to the diaconate that they (we) are to pour ourselves out in God’s service and that he will supply the grace to accomplish every good work.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Psalm 112, which rejoices in acts of generosity, points to God’s call to share good fortune with the poor in acts of charity – a principle ministry of the Deacon.

Gospel Jn 12:24-26

St. John’s passage, given here, is foundational to our understanding of the Pascal Mystery. Using the analogy of the grain of wheat, the Lord invites us to his own sacrifice, out of that wheat comes the Eucharistic Sacrifice and into that death, through Baptism, we are invited to share the salvation that comes from following Christ in life and death. St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, clearly did both.

Reflection:

While St. Stephen may have been the first Deacon of the Church (and first martyr), St. Lawrence, whose Feast we celebrate today, epitomizes that role in ministry both ancient and modern. Tradition holds that St. Lawrence was a Deacon at the time when Sixtus II was Pontiff. During the persecution of Emperor Valerian, in a valiant attempt to continue the support of the poor, Pope Sixtus handed over the wealth of the Church of Rome to his Archdeacon, Lawrence, as he was taken to his own martyr’s death.

In the face of this threat, St. Lawrence openly continued his acts of charity in the name of Christ and his Church until his own arrest and ultimate torture and martyrdom. Tradition also holds that, while he was being roasted to death, he said to his torturers, “Turn me over, I’m done on that side.” We must admire his sense of humor and the effect this must have had on those who participated in the act. By his actions, St. Lawrence not only gained for himself a prominent place among the Saints, but he also provides for us the arch-example of following Christ’s instruction and example.

St. Paul instructs the Corinthians in the first reading to be generous with their gifts. These must include the material wealth of the community and the spiritual wealth of the grace they are given. Sharing with those less fortunate is the Pauline response to Christ’s instruction from St. John’s Gospel, to sow the wheat that is both food for the body and though the Gospel and Eucharist, food for the soul. In this complex imagery the sower becomes the wheat that dies and rises.

Today we are challenged once more to share what we have been given, be that material wealth or spiritual abundance. For the Deacons of the Church (myself included) this message needs to be a renewed call to the ministry in which we were called to receive the Gospel of Christ, to teach what we were given, and to practice what we teach.

Pax
[1] The picture today is St. Peter Consecrates St. Lawrence as Deacon, by Fra Angelico, 1447-49
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Virgin, Martyr

Biographical Information about St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross[1]

Readings for Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Nm 20:1-13

We continue to follow the journey of Moses and the Children of Israel in the desert. Here at Meribah (the name means “contention”), without water, the people again challenge Moses and Aaron (Aaron’s wife Miriam, who we had heard was stricken with “White Leprosy” when she and Aaron challenged Moses, dies.)

Moses is commanded to strike the rock so water will come forth and God’s mercy may be shown. Perhaps because of Moses own failing faith he needs to strike it twice before the promise is fulfilled. As a consequence of his failure, Moses is told that he will not see the land God promised the children of Israel.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

This part of Psalm 95, commonly used as the invitatory psalm for the Liturgy of the Hours, is a song of thanks giving. In these strophes the incident at Meribah is remembered and God’s underserved mercy proclaimed.

Gospel Mt 16:13-23

In response to Jesus’ question about his own image with the disciples, Peter answers with “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." This differs slightly from the accounts of Mark and Luke as he adds “Son of God” to the title. In response to this confession the Lord remarks that this is divine revelation and makes him the “rock” upon which the Church will be built. He also establishes that his authority in the Church on earth will be confirmed in heaven.

Homily:

Contrasting themes of faith have, for a third day this week, been hurled at us through the Holy Scripture. Even if we do not delve into the remarkable story of faith that is the life of Edith Stein, St. Teresa Benidicta of the Cross which has in it the same contrast of scripture, we are driven to examine our own fidelity in the light of what we hear today.

The Old Testament reading about the great confrontation at Meribah leads us to wonder how the Children of Israel could again challenge the Lord’s will (it is out of this faith tradition Edith Stein was born) Here, for the first time we see Moses’ faith weaken. He must strike the rock twice to release the life giving water God promised. His punishment was swift and extreme. He will not lead the people into the land God promised to this stiff necked people.

In an almost black and white contrast, the Gospel story tells us of St. Peter’s great confession. When Christ asks the disciples, after performing many miraculous works, who the people believe he is, it is Peter who answers correctly, making the leap of faith. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” As with Moses, the response is swift. Without hesitating Jesus names him the Rock upon which his Church will be established and gives him the authority, passed down through all of his successors, to be the moral compass of Christians. He goes further saying that this authority to define right and wrong will be confirmed in God’s Heavenly Kingdom.

Given the examples of two holy men, Moses and Peter, we must ask ourselves where does our faith fall on that awesome scale? Are we a “stiff necked people” who challenge God’s will in our lives or do we instantly profess the Lord? As we go about our lives today, let us be guided by Peter’s words and follow the Lord in all things.

Pax
[1] The photograph of St.Teresa Benedicta is taken from the Vatican Web site
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest

Biographical Information about St. Dominic[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Dominic[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35

Once again in God’s encounter with the children of Israel, Moses does the will of God. Those entrusted with seeing the land that was given to them come back disheartened because it appears to them to be impossible to take the land the Lord has promised. In response to their lack of faith, God condemns them to remain in the desert for forty years (a generation) until those who opposed his will parish, they will never see the promise fulfilled.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-22, 23
R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Psalm 106 is a song of lament. In this passage we hear the remorse of the people who challenged the will of God and suffered the consequences in the first reading from Numbers.

Gospel Mt 15: 21-28

There was a long history of tension between the Canaanites and the Hebrews that was at a high point when Jesus encountered the woman. She clearly knew what she was doing as she addressed him as “Lord, Son of David” identifying him by that name as a Hebrew.

Jesus, while the words attributed to him are harsh, did not do as most of his own contemporaries would have, begin throwing stones at her to drive her away. His disciples were begging him to do that. Jesus recognized the great gulf between them but opened his healing touch to the woman’s child when her faith in him was demonstrated.

Reflection:

Again today we are pushed by scripture to examine our own faith. Once again in the first reading from the book of Numbers we hear how the Children of Israel see something through human eyes and doubt the word of God which contradicts what they feel. God had promised them a land “flowing with milk and honey”. When he commanded Moses to send leaders from each of the twelve tribes to scout the area they came back saying that indeed the land flowed with milk and honey but it was already occupied and heavily fortified – their human efforts would not be sufficient to make a place for themselves in that land. They forgot God, became disenchanted, and because they did not believe what God had told them they suffered a great punishment.

In a twist of irony, the Gospel story speaks of a member of one of the groups ultimately overcome by the Children of Israel after their forty years of wandering in the desert, a Canaanite woman, enemy from her birth of the Hebrews. Yet she saw God’s Son and believed in him. She must have known that was impossible. Not only was this Son of David and enemy of her people, but her daughter’s condition was incurable by medicine of the day.

But rather than sink into abject surrender to the situation, she called to Jesus, perhaps expecting to be stoned by his followers (she must have seen the disciples entreating Jesus to do so). Again and again she called to him.

It was clear Jesus the man was having a bit of a battle with Jesus the Son of God. “I was sent for the Children of Israel” he tells her, but she persists. “It is not right that I take food from the Children and throw it to the dogs.” The man (one like the Son of Man) says. Still the woman persists, her faith becoming clear to the Lord. And where the Children of Israel doubted the Lord and were punished, this woman’s faith in the Lord called down healing upon her daughter.

Are we so persistent in our faith? Or are we like those ancient Hebrews who see with human eyes the impossibility of a situation and forget that with God, all things are possible. Do we entreat God as the Canaanite woman did, certain of his ability to help us, or do we walk away dejectedly and accept a fate of the faithless? A difficult lesson is given today.

Pax
[1] The picture of St. Dominic is by Friar Angelico, date unknown
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saints Sixtus II, Pope, and his Companions, Martyrs
Saint Cajetan, Priest

Biographical Information about Saint Sixtus II, Pope [1]
Biographical Information about Saint Cajetan, priest[2]

Readings for Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time[3]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Nm 12:1-13

In this selection from Numbers, the authority of Moses is challenged because he has married a woman from outside the Hebrew community. In response to this, God fist calls the accusers to the “meeting tent”, reaffirms his connection with Moses, and then punishes those who challenged him. This passage sets Moses apart from the later Prophets by differentiating the means by which God communicates with him – that is face to face.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7, 12-13
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Psalm 51 is an individual lament. In these strophes we hear the singer beg forgiveness, linking it to the plea of Aaron and Moses in the first reading.

Gospel Mt 14:22-36

In St. Matthew’s story (see also (Mark 6:45-52), the disciples are caught in a violent storm a few miles from shore. Jesus exhibits his power over the elements by coming out to them on the water. Here St. Matthew builds his particular view of Peter by having him walk out to Jesus but loosing heart and failing. Also unlike St. Mark’s version of this event, the disciples make a remarkable profession “Truly, you are the Son of God.", where in St. Marks version they were “astounded”.


Reflection:

Faith is a very hard thing to wrap our heads around. We are taught that it is a gift, freely given, a consequence of our Baptism in the Lord. We know that some people (look at Sts. Sixtus, his deacons, and St. Cajetan) seem to have faith in abundance while others have little or no faith at all. We cannot see it, faith is an intangible quality of the soul, but we can feel it inside ourselves.

In scripture today we see two examples of faith in action. In the first reading, Miriam and Aaron apparently lost faith in Moses. They presumed to pass judgment on him because he had married outside the Hebrew community and how could the person to whom God spoke do such a thing. In response or out of bigotry they publicly refuted his spiritual leadership. Scripture tells us that God had an immediate response, calling them to account and then punishing Miriam with the outward sign of her sinfulness – leprosy. Was her sin the lack of faith in God’s selected holy one – the one to whom he spoke, face to face? Or was her sin the bigotry in her heart as she rejected the wife Moses had selected? Scripture does not say but had her faith been stronger, she would not have fallen to that trap.

In the Gospel, we see the disciples in a bad way. They had ventured out into the sea and were caught in a storm. Jesus comes to their aid in an unexpected way, walking on the water. Unprepared for his appearance, the disciples think he is a ghost at first. Peter, first among the disciples, sees (or thinks he sees) the Lord and calls out to him “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water" (not quite sure is he). When Peter goes out to the Son of God, his faith is fastened on Christ. He does not see the sea or the waves. He does not feel the wind. But when he loses that focus and starts looking around, he sees that he is doing the impossible and becomes frightened and starts to sink. God, of course, saves him. We can almost hear the Lord speaking to his friend in secular tones saying “Gosh, Peter, you almost had it. Why didn’t you just keep coming?”

We often feel that way don’t we? We almost had it – our faith was almost strong enough to withstand the temptation of doing something we should not have. It was almost strong enough to carry us through a difficult situation without faltering. But in the end, like Peter, the Lord had to help us out as well.

Faith may be a gift but it also acts like a muscle. If we don’t use it, we loose it. If we don’t exercise it, when we need that strength it will not be there. Our challenge today is to renew our dedication to get into the gym (Church) and get on the machines (prayer) do some jogging (exercise charity), so that when we are called out onto the water we will not fail.

Pax
[1] The first picture is The Martyrdom of St. Sixtus II and his Deacons, by Richard de Montbaston, 1400’s
[2] The second picture of St. Cajetan is in the public domain by an UNKNOWN artist
[3] After Links to Readings Expire

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Readings for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Dn 7:9-10, 13-14

In this vision from the book of Daniel, we see the symbols for God the Father “the Ancient One, seated on the throne of Judgment (symbolized by fire) with all the faithful before him. Then comes “One like a Son of Man”, this reference of course, is to Jesus who commonly used it to describe himself as the one through whom all salvation came.

In the context of the Feast of the Transfiguration, this image is consistent with that seen by the disciples in the Gospel.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

This song of thanksgiving rejoices in God’s rule of the earth from his heavenly throne. This song links nicely to the imagery presented in the first reading.

Reading II 2 Pt 1:16-19

St. Peter offers his reference to the Transfiguration event as part of an apologetic offered claiming Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. He quotes the Gospel account of this event explicitly saying that he indeed was present and heard the words “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Gospel Lk 9:28b-36

Jesus has just finished speaking about his death and resurrection. The transfiguration event comes as a visible confirmation of this prophetic discourse. The Lord again speaks of his “exodus” in Jerusalem referring to his return to the heavenly kingdom; it is also a reference to God’s salvation of the people of Israel in their exodus from Egypt.

It is clear that the disciples see the significance of the Lord speaking with two of the Hebrew patriarchs. They offer to set up three booths, perhaps symbolic of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Once again, as at his Baptism which sent him on his ministry to the world, we hear God’s voice identifying him as God’s Son. This time that voice sends him on his final journey to Jerusalem and the Cross.

Reflection:[3]

We pose this question; was the physical transfiguration of Jesus (Oh, and the voice from heaven saying; “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”) the cause of the conversion experienced by Peter, James, and John or was it that their faith allowed them to understand what would otherwise have been confusing?

Of course this question is somewhat rhetorical since we cannot know the minds of the disciples at the time this event took place. But we can speculate about people in general and ourselves specifically in similar situations. If we had been blessed to have been around those 2,000 years ago and have been singularly honored to have been invited by the Lord to go up the high place (the symbolism from ancient Hebrew would have been to a “holy place”) knowing what we know today about Jesus; how he was born to the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit; baptized by John in the Jordan; how he healed the sick, walked on water, and of all the other signs he performed; having faith, as we do, that he is the only Son of God; would we have understood what was talking place as he was revealed?

We would hope that, for us with our two millennia history of faith, it would be a “no brainer”. Yet for the disciples who did not have the rest of the story, seeing Jesus suddenly changed in front of their eyes; seeing the two of the most important figures from Old Testament scripture, Moses and Elijah, standing with their teacher would have been mind bending. It is understandable that they would have been confused and afraid. While they were sure, at this point, Jesus was special, up to this time the final leap of faith was not solidly made. Then to hear the voice of God accompany that tableau, it must have nailed their hearts to the ground. We can only imagine the force of that revelation. The hardest part of the whole situation must have been for them to obey Jesus when he told them: “…not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.”

Peter was following those instructions even as he related the event again in his letter we heard as the second reading today; “’This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain.” This is important because there were probably skeptics around when, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, this story was made public. Heck, there are skeptics around today who don’t believe even though they know the whole story.

So, going back to the original question, what do our reflections on this miraculous event tell us? First, we know that seen through the eyes of faith, this event serves to confirm what we, as a people of that faith, believe and it strengthens our belief and understanding. We also understand that without that lens, the event at best would be confusing and frightening. At the very least, without faith, the Transfiguration would seem like a hallucination, perhaps brought on by oxygen deprivation.

Now, knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work actively in our lives, are there times when we see an event and think, “This does not make sense.” Or “How/Why did this happen?” We need to remember the lesson of the transfiguration. We need to view the events of our lives though that same lens of faith in the Lord, God and Man, unified in the Holy Trinity. Our rational selves must be linked with our hearts of faith so the Lord can make himself known to us. That truly is a lesson learned from this blessed event.

Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The painting today is The Transfiguration, by Sanzio Raffaello, 1516-20
[3] This reflection is taken from this same Feast day in 2006 with minor edits.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23

Three hundred years before Christ walked the earth, the Hebrew teacher Qoheleth reflects on the illusion of human wisdom and effort. He develops the idea that God’s wisdom is hidden and nothing mankind can do on this earth will reveal it in a meaningful way. “All is vanity.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

This selection of Psalm 90 is very important to us in that it provides an understanding of God’s time table for creation and man; “For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday…” The psalm laments the mortality of the human life and prays for wisdom and asks for value given to the work of human hands.

Reading II Col 3:1-5, 9-11

The theme of seeking the higher gifts continues in this section of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. He instructs the church to turn away from the hedonistic instincts of human nature and become the new creation of the Baptized. In this baptism we are unified, one in Christ.

Gospel Lk 12:13-21

The unified theme of scripture today continues with the parable of the rich man. The focus, like the previous readings for today, emphasizes the futility of storing up earthly treasures and the need to focus human efforts of accumulating the wisdom that comes only from the Father.

Reflection:

Today all the scriptural stars line up and point to one specific theme. Our efforts, futile as they may be, should be focused on building up the treasure of heaven. As with all themes, this one uses extreme points of view to emphasize the need to live virtuous lives.

In the first reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the ancient teacher Qoheleth (a name, translated from Hebrew to Greek meaning "one who convokes an assembly.") tells us that all our efforts to see the face of God are vanity, in vain. While the pursuits of man may be noble they cannot uncover true wisdom while we walk this earth. His discourse for us is esoteric and ethereal.

St. Paul’s injunctions to the Church at Colossus are more pragmatic. He tells them of the need to refrain from the hedonistic pursuits that yield personal gratification, usually at the expense of others. He reminds them that, in baptism, we have become a new creation and have clothed ourselves in Christ. In doing so they (we) have died to their (our) old selves and have become one in Christ. In this unity there is no place of “…immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.” Far from being in vain, this transformation is required of all who claim discipleship with Christ.

The Lord himself in the Gospel of St. Luke picks up this same ideal and, using the parable genre, makes the point crystal clear. He reminds us of our own mortality and the brevity of our own lives in the grander scheme of God. (This time sense is beautifully described in the song sung in Psalm 90 today).

Stepping back from the broad lesson taught by the parable that is the root of the old cliché “you can’t take it with you”, we can see he addressed specifically a question form one of those following him. He was asked to intervene in a dispute between relatives over an inheritance. What is he saying is more important in this instance – the physical wealth involved or the motives of the heart?

Clearly it is our interior spiritual selves we should be focused upon as we look for ways to improve our place under the sun (son). Today we pray that our efforts will always be directed toward building that spiritual wealth important to the Father and that all we do will be for His greater glory and not our own.

Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture today is Allegory of the Vanity of Earthly Things by an UNKNOWN French Master, 1630

Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney, Priest

Biographical Information about St. John Vianney[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. John Vianney[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Lv 25:1, 8-17

The establishment of the Jubilee (taken from the Hebrew word yobel or “rams horn” blown in response to the instruction) was important for preserving economic equilibrium among the Israelites. Featured prominently is the use of the “perfect number” in Hebrew numerology 7.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

The song of praise that is Psalm 67 links to the first reading in its thankfulness for the harvest, the fruits of God’s creation.

Gospel Mt 14:1-12

In this passage, recalling the manner of the death of John the Baptist, Herod unwittingly predicts Jesus future glory as he assumes the Lord is John the Baptist raised from the dead. His guilt over the murder of John wears heavily on him.

Reflection:

The evil one does not need much of an opening to find ways to tilt those who are ambivalent about the faith. Look at today’s Gospel. King Herod was not inclined to harm John the Baptist. He was worried about him, yes. He thought John, because of is reputation as Holy Man and Prophet might stir up the people in revolt against him. That is why John was arrested.

Tradition also holds that John was critical of Herod for entering into an adulterous relationship with Herodias who had first married her uncle Herod II, had given birth to Salome her daughter, then married another uncle Herod Antipas (the Herod in our Gospel story). It was Herodias that really wanted John killed. She was shamed by his call to repentance and her sin was an open door for the evil one who used the occasion of the birthday of Herod Antipas to have Salome tempt Herod into offering her any thing she wanted, publicly.

In this way, John the Baptist, who had from the beginning pre-figured Christ, first announcing his coming as the Messiah, then providing some of his first disciples (remember, Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, was one of John’s disciples first), now precedes him in death. As we hear later in the Gospel story, this event greatly affected the Lord. The evil one could not get directly to Jesus, but he found a way to hurt him none the less.

Following this story we see how “the worm turns” twisting the will of weak and sinful people to do his will. It is a lesson for us. It was not the evil intent of Herod to murder John, he was tricked into the act. Was he culpable? Absolutely. Was he the tool of the evil one? Again, absolutely. It has been so from the time Eve was deceived in the Garden and brought Adam with her into sin.

For us this lesson reminds us that we must constantly be on our guard. It is easy for those whose guilt is allowed to fester to be twisted and turned into tools to use against us. How simple it seems for that evil, which inured even the Lord of life, to injure him again because of His love for us.

Pax
[1] The picture is St. John Mary Vianney from an antique Holy Card, Artist UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37

This reading from the Book of Leviticus comes from the section identified as “Code of Legal Holiness.” The prescriptions of celebrations mentioned recall the various saving works of God either generally through His act of creation and the gift of life or actively through intervention on behalf of the faithful.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 81:3-4, 5-6, 10-11ab
R. Sing with joy to God our help.

Psalm 81 is a song of thanksgiving. These strophes support the gift of the Law and its prescriptions, recalling also the salvation brought about by God.

Gospel Mt 13:54-58

This story from Matthew’s Gospel focuses on the people most familiar with Jesus the boy growing up among them. They are seeking the “Royal Messiah”, one coming with great power and majesty and are disappointed because of the Lord’s familiar and humble beginnings. Matthew’s story tells us that because of their lack of faith, the Lord did not perform any signs in their midst, ending the passage with the often quoted “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house."

Reflection:

We have heard the lesson from today’s Gospel many times before in scripture. Perhaps the time it was most clearly stated was when Elijah was told to look for God as he stood on the mountain (1 Kings 19: 9-12). God does not come in the way or form we expect.

One of the most surprising things we learn from, not only this Gospel story, but the lesson behind it, is that when we fully expect God to manifest his presence in a certain way we completely miss Him as he presents himself genuinely. In this respect, the Gospel story is a perfect example. Jesus comes to his home town. He has just finished the Sermon on the Mount and has fed the multitudes. If ever there were finger prints of God left stunningly on the face of the earth, what the Lord did in the multiplication of the loaves was clearly that evidence. Yet, the people of Nazareth don’t see the Messiah who has come to save the world. They are expecting a person of great power to raise an army and throw off the yoke of the Roman occupiers and re-establish a Davidic Kingdom.

To us it seems amazing that they could not recognize Christ for who he was. But we do the same thing. We miss God’s involvement in our lives. We are so intent on Him working some miracle and helping win the Lottery or transform a bad situation into one we can easily deal with, that we miss his subtle hand gently pushing here and prodding there. It is not until much later, usually as we meditate upon our lives that we can clearly see His purpose or involvement.

It is like the metal worker who, in order to make some useful tool, must first destroy the impurities by melting it, taking away its natural form in the smelting furnace, so that it can be molded into its final useful form. Its like the potter who first must pound the clay to remove any air pockets that might later create unwanted flaws in the vase to be created. Taken apart from the final act of creation, such actions cannot be understood as part of the creative process.

This is where our faith must carry us. Unlike the neighbors of Jesus, we must be faith filled and patient so the Lord might work his signs through us.

Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture is Christ Preaching by Rembrant Harmenszoon van Rijn, 1643-49

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop
Saint Peter Julian Eymard

Biographical Information about Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop [1]
Biographical Information about Saint Peter Julian Eymard[2]

Readings for Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time[3]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Ex 40:16-21, 34-38

This reading from Exodus gives the details of the establishment of the meeting tent referred to earlier in the story of the journey of the Children of Israel. The Ark of the Commandments is placed here and through the perception by the people of the will of God as symbolized by the cloud over the tent, they are guided on the path God has chosen for them.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a, 11
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!

Psalm 84 gives thanks for the courts of the Temple in Jerusalem. Placed as it is, supporting the story of the establishment of the “meeting tent”, the reference can also have application to the less permanent symbol of God’s guiding presence.

Gospel Mt 13:47-53

Jesus concludes his discourse about the Kingdom of Heaven with a final parable about the fisherman’s net. He then makes reference to the disciples' (and their successor's) role as “Christian scribes” or teachers of the Kingdom of God. In his description he refers to the “new and the old” being brought out. This reference is to the new teaching from Jesus and the old from the Law and Prophets.

Reflection:

The scripture today guides us to understand how God is actively involved in guiding us toward His Kingdom in Heaven. In the first reading from Exodus we hear how the Children of Israel are guided through the desert to the Promised Land. They are guided by God in the form of the Tablets of the Law which Moses restored to them. This reminder of the Covenant was always before them.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear Jesus speaking to is disciples about the Kingdom of God. In this passage he refers to their role as scribes or teachers. Indeed this is what they became, spreading the Lord’s words of salvation, his promise of the Kingdom throughout the world.

The most ancient and authentic words they left us are contained in Holy Scripture which we study fervently. The precepts contained in those pages are most authentically captured by the Teaching Magesterium of the Church. It is the legacy of Christ, Himself, who appointed Peter, the first Pontiff, as keeper of the Keys to the Kingdom. It has been faithfully passed down to us to provide us guidance as we walk in the world.

Like those who have gone before us (we remember today especially St. Eusebius of Vericelli an early leader of our fledgling Church, and St. Peter Julian Eymard, who centuries later carried the flame of the Eucharist even further) we are given the guidance of the “scribes” teaching us from the books of the Law and Prophets in the Old Testament and the twelve and those who chronicled the story of Christ in the New Testament. We thank God today for His guidance and pray for the strength to follow it.

Pax
[1] The first picture is of St. Eucebus Vercelli, Artist unknown
[2] The second picture is of St Peter Julian Eymard, from a prayer card, Artist unknown
[3] After Links to Readings Expire

Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Alphonsus Mary de Liguori, Bishop, Doctor

Biographical Information about St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori[1],

Readings for Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Ex 34:29-35

This passage chronicles the second time the tablets are given to the Children of Israel. Moses placing a veil across his face because of the radiance of his spirit after meeting with God is used by St. Paul in 2 Cor 3:7-18 to symbolize the failure of the Jews to recognize Jesus as Messiah.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 99:5, 6, 7, 9
R. Holy is the Lord our God.

Once again the psalmist gives thanks for the gift of God’s Law, given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. This song remembers the origins of God’s covenant with the people.

Gospel Mt 13:44-46

We continue to hear the wonders of the Kingdom of God in parables. The two we hear today give the same conclusions. “The person who finds a buried treasure and the merchant who finds a pearl of great price sell all that they have to acquire these finds; similarly, the one who understands the supreme value of the kingdom gives up whatever he must to obtain it. The joy with which this is done is made explicit in the first parable, but it may be presumed in the second also.” (From NAB footnote)

Reflection:

We reflect today on the outward signs of inner conversion. In the first reading today we hear how Moses, after having a close encounter of the holiest kind, came down the mountain and “he did not know that the skin of his face had become radiant”. It was as if he had stepped across the threshold and had entered the Kingdom of God. From that point, the light of his spirit burst out and his physical appearance to those who knew him changed.

So remarkable was this change that his friends asked him to veil his face so they would not see it. Why would they ask such a thing? It could have been because they were afraid that by looking upon one who had been so thoroughly converted by God they might die, which is what they thought would happen if they ever saw God, face to face.

Their fear could also have been because they recognized their own sinfulness. Like placing a poor copy of a beautiful painting next to the original, the contrast became so apparent that they could not accept their own flaws. As a result, they asked Moses to cover himself so he would not shame them.

Faith and conversion have that effect. Internal conversion manifests itself externally. It is something we must all remember. A wise person once said, “The person who can remain calm in the face of a heated argument has already won.” This true statement has a side effect. The person who cannot remain calm in the face of an emotional argument will become even more incensed and irrational in the face of that calm. The same is true of the outward peace of conversion in the face of the enemy. That wondrous peace of Christ can stir up resentment and mistrust in those who do not understand it. It is something we must be at least aware of because that resentment can blind side us if we are not aware that our inner peace has an exterior affect.

None the less, today we pray for that complete conversion that will cause us to glow with the light of our spirit. May all who encounter us see that light and be comforted by it.

Pax
[1] The picture of St. Alphonsus Mary is taken from the web site of Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, (Redemptorists). No artist is cited.
[2] After Links to Readings Expire