Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

"Saint Boniface"
by Cornelis Bloemaert, c. 1630

Proper for the Memorial of St. Boniface [1]

Biographical information about St. Boniface

Readings for Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Readings and Commentary: [3]

Reading 1: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

You have followed my teaching, way of life,

purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions,

and sufferings, such as happened to me

in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra,

persecutions that I endured.

Yet from all these things the Lord delivered me.

In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus

will be persecuted.

But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse,

deceivers and deceived.

But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed,

because you know from whom you learned it,

and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,

which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation

through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching,

for refutation, for correction,

and for training in righteousness,

so that one who belongs to God may be competent,

equipped for every good work.

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Commentary on 2 Tm 3:10-17

St. Paul, in this passage, enjoins St. Timothy to remain steadfast because, like Paul, he will be persecuted: “all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” He warns that others will attempt to challenge the truth, or use it for their own ends.

To combat this attempt by false teachers, St. Paul recommends “sacred Scriptures” as giving “wisdom for salvation.” This selection, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work,” is a foundational belief of the Church used as a major support for “Dei Verbum” (The Word) from the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation.

CCC: 2 Tm 3:12 2847

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:157, 160, 161, 165, 166, 168

R. (165a) O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Though my persecutors and my foes are many,

I turn not away from your decrees.

R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Permanence is your word’s chief trait;

each of your just ordinances is everlasting.

R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Princes persecute me without cause

but my heart stands in awe of your word.

R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Those who love your law have great peace,

and for them there is no stumbling block.

R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

I wait for your salvation, O Lord,

and your commands I fulfill.

R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

I keep your precepts and your decrees,

for all my ways are before you.

R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

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Commentary on Ps 119:157, 160, 161, 165, 166, 168

Psalm 119, the longest of the psalms, in general is a hymn in praise of the law. It is not legalism, but rather a love of doing what is right in the sight of God. In these strophes, the psalmist proclaims his faithfulness to the law in the face of his adversaries and waits for final salvation.

CCC: Ps 119:160 215

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Gospel: Mark 12:35-37

As Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said,

“How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David?

David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said:

The Lord said to my lord,

‘Sit at my right hand

until I place your enemies under your feet.’

David himself calls him ‘lord’;

so how is he his son?”

The great crowd heard this with delight.

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Commentary on Mk 12:35-37

It is now Jesus’ turn to question the Pharisees. He asks them who the Messiah will be. They answer that he will be a son of David (of the lineage of David). Jesus then, while not denying their statement (as he is from the line of David), tells them, quoting Psalm 110:1, that David called the Messiah “Lord” and would he do that to his own offspring? In other words, the Messiah would be more than just true man, he would be true God as well existing before David and with David.

CCC: Mk 12:35-37 202

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Reflection:

Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that those suffering from the coronavirus be returned quickly to full health by the power of your Son’s healing presence, and those in fear be calmed through the Holy Spirit.

In Christ’s name we pray. – Amen.

In St. Mark’s Gospel we see Jesus confronting the Pharisees in debate. He breaks open the word of God in Psalm 110:1. He uses the truth of scripture to identify his Messianic identity as more than what was expected. The Pharisees (and scribes) believed that the Messiah would be a man (albeit sent by God) to reestablish the power and grandeur of Israel during the reign of King David. This meant he would throw off the Roman occupation and once more give the Hebrew people autonomy. There were many assumptions about the methods that must be used to accomplish this feat, all of them wrong.

Jesus challenges the Pharisees. He does not challenge the prophecy that the Messiah will be of the house of King David. He is of that line. Rather he tries to get them to see God’s power in a much broader way. God does not send the Messiah so Israel can be freed of the Romans. He wants all his creation to come to him. The Pharisees are locked into a notion that, as God’s chosen people, only they will receive the benefits of faith. Jesus tries to make them see the larger plan by showing them how the scripture they understand to be the inspired word of God is telling them something different.

The Messiah is not simply man born of woman, although he is born of woman. Rather the Messiah existed before David as well as being from his genealogy. David described the relationship in his own writings. How many Hebrew scholars had pored over the sacred texts and missed the understanding that the Messiah would be eternal, more than simply a holy man with a mission?

St. Paul tells St. Timothy that reading and understanding Sacred Scripture is necessary “that one who belongs to God may be competent.” We see the truth of his words in the debate between Jesus and the Pharisees. With the Holy Spirit as guide, we too must constantly be on guard against applying human limitations to the supernatural abilities of our God. We pray that our own study will make us competent to be witnesses of God to the world.

In this strange year where many of us will not be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament or celebrate as a community in our houses of worship, we must be prepared to receive spiritual communion in prayer:

My Jesus,

I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Pax

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[1] The picture is "Saint Boniface" by Cornelis Bloemaert, c. 1630.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

“Christ Enthroned” (detail)
by Bartolomeo Vivarini, 1450

Readings for Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time [1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: 2 Timothy 2:8-15

Beloved:

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:

such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering,

even to the point of chains, like a criminal.

But the word of God is not chained.

Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,

so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,

together with eternal glory.

This saying is trustworthy:

If we have died with him

we shall also live with him;

if we persevere

we shall also reign with him.

But if we deny him

he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful

he remains faithful,

for he cannot deny himself.

Remind people of these things

and charge them before God to stop disputing about words.

This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.

Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God,

a workman who causes no disgrace,

imparting the word of truth without deviation.

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Commentary on 2 Tm 2:8-15

St. Paul begins this section with the slogan: “But the word of God in not chained.” It is believed by scholars that what follows is a quote from a hymn in common use at the time (“If we have died with him”). The reference in the hymn is to the death to sin in baptism from which the faithful shall gain the promise of eternal life (“we shall also reign with him”). The hymn quote concludes with assurance that Jesus is always faithful and constant even if those who believe in him fail.

The passage concludes with St. Paul telling his student to faithfully proclaim these truths without dispute. It is the principles that must be observed, not the specific language used.

CCC: 2 Tm 2:8 437; 2 Tm 2:11-13 2641

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14

R. (4) Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me;

teach me your paths,

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my savior.

R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Good and upright is the Lord;

thus he shows sinners the way.

He guides the humble to justice,

he teaches the humble his way.

R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

All the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy

toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him,

and his covenant, for their instruction.

R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.

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Commentary on Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14

Psalm 25 is an individual lament. The sinful psalmist prays that “your ways” (God's ways) be made known. The request directs us to repentance and ultimately justice. The theme of guidance is continued in the psalm. This selection gives a clear sense of the Lord’s path, announced by angelic messengers, prophets, and the very Law of Moses.  It is the culmination and completion of God’s covenants. These verses are echoed later by Malachi (Malachi 3:1-4) and John the Baptist (Luke 3:1 ff), also announcing the Lord's path.

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Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,

“Which is the first of all the commandments?”

Jesus replied, “The first is this:

Hear, O Israel!

The Lord our God is Lord alone!

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

with all your soul, with all your mind,

and with all your strength.

The second is this:

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

There is no other commandment greater than these.”

The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher.

You are right in saying,

He is One and there is no other than he.

And to love him with all your heart,

with all your understanding,

with all your strength,

and to love your neighbor as yourself

is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,

he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

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Commentary on Mk 12:28-34

In the continuing dialogue with the Sadducees from the Gospel of St. Mark, we find the scribe is impressed with the way Jesus handled the challenge by the Sadducees (found in the previous verses). The Lord answers the scribe's question about the law with the Great Commandment, the opening of the Shema, the great Jewish prayer, and then he follows that statement with the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself (see also Leviticus 19:18). When the scribe clearly understands what Jesus is saying, the Lord tells him he is "not far from the Kingdom of God" (see also the commentary on Matthew 22:34ff).

CCC: Mk 12:28-34 575; Mk 12:29-31 129, 2196; Mk 12:29-30 202; Mk 12:29 228

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Homily:

Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that those suffering from the coronavirus be returned quickly to full health by the power of your Son’s healing presence, and those in fear be calmed through the Holy Spirit.

In Christ’s name we pray. – Amen.

If someone told us they did not want to read the whole Bible to figure out what Christians believe, but wanted just a few short passages, we could not recommend much better selections than those we are given today.

While it is important to understand the Old Testament because it reveals God’s actions in the world before Christ arrived, Jesus sums up in one short statement the most important teaching of that volume – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” -- which he quotes from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and then goes further quoting Leviticus 19:18 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”

If someone asked you, “What did Jesus teach?” this is the first thing, the most important thing we could say. If they went further and asked “And what does that get you?” we could answer with the hymn from St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy;

“If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.”

Encapsulated in this short quote from an ancient hymn is our belief that through our baptism we are adopted into the life of the spirit of God, and our adoption leads to salvation. But even if we are unfaithful, fail to love him, fail to love others, he still loves us because he is love as God is love.

It’s all nicely tied up for us today. The difficulty of course is living the commandment, and our prayer today is that we have the strength to do so.

In this strange year where many of us will not be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament or celebrate as a community in our houses of worship, we must be prepared to receive spiritual communion in prayer:

My Jesus,

I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Pax

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[1] The picture is “Christ Enthroned” (detail) by Bartolomeo Vivarini, 1450.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

Proper for the Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions [1]

Biographical information about St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

“St. Charles Lawanga and Companions”
artist and date are unknown

Readings for Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1:2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12

Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God

for the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

to Timothy, my dear child:

grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father

and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am grateful to God,

whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did,

as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day.

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame

the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice

but rather of power and love and self-control.

So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,

nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;

but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel

with the strength that comes from God.

He saved us and called us to a holy life,

not according to our works

but according to his own design

and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,

but now made manifest

through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus,

who destroyed death and brought life and immortality

to light through the Gospel,

for which I was appointed preacher and Apostle and teacher.

On this account I am suffering these things;

but I am not ashamed,

for I know him in whom I have believed

and am confident that he is able to guard

what has been entrusted to me until that day.

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Commentary on 2 Tm 1:1-3, 6-12

This selection contains the formal beginning of the Second Letter of St. Paul to St. Timothy. Following the formula address, the Apostle exhorts his former student and traveling companion to be forthright, even outspoken in proclaiming the faith (“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control”).

There is a clear reference that St. Timothy was ordained for this task by St. Paul as is shown by his statement: “the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.” This passage is also foundational to the understanding that there is an indelible change imparted by the reception of Holy Orders. The Apostle concludes his introduction, summarizing the call they have both received, and his faith in salvation through Christ (important here because he (St. Paul) is in prison and his physical well-being is in question).

CCC: 2 Tm 1:3 1794; 2 Tm 1:6 1577, 1590; 2 Tm 1:8 2471, 2506; 2 Tm 1:9-10 257, 1021; 2 Tm 1:12-14 84; 2 Tm 1:12 149

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 123:1b-2ab, 2cdef

R. (1b) To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.

To you I lift up my eyes

who are enthroned in heaven.

Behold, as the eyes of servants

are on the hands of their masters.

R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.

As the eyes of a maid

are on the hands of her mistress,

So are our eyes on the Lord, our God,

till he have pity on us.

R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.

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Commentary on Ps 123:1b-2ab, 2cdef

Psalm 123 is an individual lament. In these strophes we hear the prayer of the psalmist who expresses faith in God’s love and compassion.

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Gospel: Mark 12:18-27

Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,

came to Jesus and put this question to him, saying,

“Teacher, Moses wrote for us,

If someone’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child,

his brother must take the wife

and raise up descendants for his brother.

Now there were seven brothers.

The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants.

So the second brother married her and died, leaving no descendants,

and the third likewise.

And the seven left no descendants.

Last of all the woman also died.

At the resurrection when they arise whose wife will she be?

For all seven had been married to her.”

Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled

because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?

When they rise from the dead,

they neither marry nor are given in marriage,

but they are like the angels in heaven.

As for the dead being raised,

have you not read in the Book of Moses,

in the passage about the bush, how God told him,

I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,

and the God of Jacob?

He is not God of the dead but of the living.

You are greatly misled.”

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Commentary on Mk 12:18-27

The Sadducees are approaching Jesus, in this passage, with a twofold attack against his teaching on the resurrection (Sadducees, as a group, do not hold with the theology of resurrection of the dead). First they ask Jesus to solve the puzzle of to whom the widow of seven husbands would be married in heaven. (It is likely this example was taken from Tobit 3:8.) Jesus chides them for their lack of understanding, telling them that life in the Kingdom of Heaven transcends life in the body. He then goes further, attacking their disbelief in the resurrection by quoting Exodus 3; 6, telling them the Father is the God of the living not the dead.

CCC: Mk 12:24 993; Mk 12:25 1619; Mk 12:27 993

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Reflection:

Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that those suffering from the coronavirus be returned quickly to full health by the power of your Son’s healing presence, and those in fear be calmed through the Holy Spirit.

In Christ’s name we pray. – Amen.

How many times have we wilted in embarrassment when confronted with a situation where we should have boldly proclaimed our faith in Jesus Christ? Those of us called in a special way, through Holy Orders, are not exempt from this flaw. We want to fit in, be liked, be accepted as one of the guys or one of the girls. Most of us who have been active in the faith community for any periods of time actually feel uncomfortable in secular situations were we don’t know the people well.

Given the beginning of the Second Letter of St. Paul to St. Timothy, we see that this is nothing new. Apparently St. Timothy, either because of social circumstances or because of natural humility, was not being as bold as St. Paul wanted him to be. The instruction points out another paradox of the Lord’s instructions to us.

What is the first and foremost teaching of Jesus about how he wants his disciples to lead? He told them just a few chapters earlier in St. Mark’s Gospel “whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” (Mark 10: 43-44) One of the hallmarks of Christianity is the idea of servant leadership. Yet, there is a fine line that must be observed between being a humble servant and an outspoken “Prisoner of Christ.” While the servant leader must not autocratically order people about, even in Christ’s name (especially not in Christ’s name), they must not be wishy-washy when it comes to standing up for his principles in the secular world.

Today we examine our own faith example. We hope that others see us and know we are Christians because we love one another as he loved us. Our faith shows in how we treat others, with love and respect. We also hope that when we encounter injustice, behaviors that go against what the Lord stands for, we are not embarrassed to stand up and say “This is not right.” Don’t we tell our children to do the same? We are reminded that we are to practice what we preach. We also know that being labeled as a Christian sometimes also labels us as uncomfortable people to be around or fanatics. If the party is going in a very wrong direction it’s better to be the death of the party than its life.

In this strange year where many of us will not be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament or celebrate as a community in our houses of worship, we must be prepared to receive spiritual communion in prayer:

My Jesus,

I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Pax

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[1] The picture is “St. Charles Lawanga and Companions” artist and date are unknown.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

(Optional Memorial for Saints Marcellinus And Peter, Martyrs)

Proper for the Memorial of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter

Biographical Information about Sts. Marcellinus and Peter

“The Tribute to Caesar” by Valentin De Boulogne, c. 1620

Readings for Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time [1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Readings and Commentary: [3]

Reading 1: 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18

Beloved:

Wait for and hasten the coming of the day of God,

because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames

and the elements melted by fire.

But according to his promise

we await new heavens and a new earth

in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you await these things,

be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.

And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned,

be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled

and to fall from your own stability.

But grow in grace

and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

To him be glory now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

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Commentary on 2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18

St. Peter begins this passage reaffirming the Parousia (the second coming and the apocalypse). Because they understand that the day is coming and they will be called to account for their actions, they are exhorted to watch out for false teachers (“be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled”). They are called to remain faithful to the gospel they have been given, and thereby grow in faith.

CCC: 2 Pt 3:11-12 671; 2 Pt 3:12-13 677; 2 Pt 3:13 1043, 1405

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 and 16

R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Before the mountains were begotten

and the earth and the world were brought forth,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

You turn man back to dust,

saying, “Return, O children of men.”

For a thousand years in your sight

are as yesterday, now that it is past,

or as a watch of the night.

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Seventy is the sum of our years,

or eighty, if we are strong,

And most of them are fruitless toil,

for they pass quickly and we drift away.

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,

that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.

Let your work be seen by your servants

and your glory by their children.

R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

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Commentary on Ps 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 and 16

The psalm in its entirety is a communal lament. The strophes in this selection reflect on the mortality of humanity, and the brevity of human life. (It is also an example of the human understanding that God’s immortal view of time is not like ours.) The recollection of God’s creative impulse recalls the Genesis creation event, while final strophe brings us back rejoicing for God’s great mercy.

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Gospel: Mark 12:13-17

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent

to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech.

They came and said to him,

“Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man

and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion.

You do not regard a person’s status

but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?

Should we pay or should we not pay?”

Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them,

“Why are you testing me?

Bring me a denarius to look at.”

They brought one to him and he said to them,

“Whose image and inscription is this?”

They replied to him, “Caesar’s.”

So Jesus said to them,

“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar

and to God what belongs to God.”

They were utterly amazed at him.

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Commentary on Mk 12:13-17

In this account (similar to Matthew 22:15-22), the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus by asking if people should pay taxes to Caesar. If he agrees with the Herodians (who would want the tax to be paid) he would be trapped because he was authorizing tribute to one who claimed to be a god, violating Jewish law. If he sided with the Pharisees against the Herodians, he would be in conflict with civil law and be taken before the Roman authorities.

Jesus saw the trap and avoided it, using the powerful argument for the separation of church and state by the famous statement: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

CCC: Mk 12:17 450

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Reflection:

Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that those suffering from the coronavirus be returned quickly to full health by the power of your Son’s healing presence, and those in fear be calmed through the Holy Spirit.

In Christ’s name we pray. – Amen.

______________________________________________

"Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

We are sure the IRS would be pleased with Jesus' response if it were made in the present day. We are also sure that many church leaders would not be, given the difficulty with stewardship that exists in so many faith communities and the general push to remove the tax-exempt status from many religious sites and activities.

The statement begs a question and it is contained in the statement: “and to God what belongs to God.” What does God expect from us? We can get very literal at this point and ask simply “what belongs to God?” The answer is obvious – everything. We believe the Heavenly Father is the creator of all things, or is he? Yes, God created the heavens and the earth. We believe he created life in all its diversity (not in the neo-Darwinian sense that does not explain the beginning of life, and does not account for speciation as an act of guided intent, and no, this is not Creationism).

As his ultimate creation, he made human beings in his own image and likeness. He gave us free will and the ability to form tools and artifacts from the earth, to mold clay and metal into useful and cunning shapes. Did God create these “things”? Are they his? It is an interesting philosophical question that we will not go further with here. The fundamental question still lies in front of us: “What do we need to give to God?”

That question at least is answered by Holy Scripture. There are numerous statements in the Old Testament, especially in the psalms, that God is not seeking burnt offerings placed upon an altar of sacrifice. Rather God wants our homage through deeds that show him that we have listened to him, his Son, and the Holy Spirit he left to guide us. He requires us to adopt an attitude and behaviors that bring him, our Creator, praise because all we accomplish is only through the gift of life he gave us, and the talent with which he imbued us.

What God requires of us is not material but is concrete. He asks us to follow the example of his Son who always points to the Father. Just as the metalworker forges a coin, and that coin is tribute to the nation whose emblem it bears, so too are our actions, as God’s creatures, a tribute to the one who created us. It is a tremendous call to receive and for our service we receive a tremendous reward.

In this strange year where many of us will not be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament or celebrate as a community in our houses of worship, we must be prepared to receive spiritual communion in prayer:

My Jesus,

I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Pax

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[1] The Picture is “The Tribute to Caesar” by Valentin De Boulogne, c. 1620.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.