Demons Dispatched

The texts of the Roman Catholic lectionary today can be tied together with the theme of rejection. The prophet Amos rejects the show and ceremony about reverence of God and exhorts the people to remember justice and righteousness. The psalmist presents the amazement of God that people do many shows of faithfulness yet they have no discipline and they do not practice the actions of the Word of God. Matthew relates Jesus encounter with evil spirits possessing the lives of people. The resonance of human spirit with the Spirit of Jesus drives away the demons which may have dominated behavior. The transformation of the lives by contact with the Spirit attracts attention. Today, we are also witness to lives in our circle of people are transformed by release of demons through intimacy of the indwelling Spirit with the Divine Spirit.

Peter Transformed to Leader

The Roman Catholic Lectionary, today. contains texts for the solemn celebration of Saints Peter and Paul. The humanity of these two founders of the faith is a marvelous story and a great mystery in terms of the transformation which was necessary in both lives to be the leaders required in the Church.

“The Chief of the Apostles was a native of Galilee like Our Lord. As he was fishing on its large lake he was called by Our Lord to be one of His apostles. Peter was poor and unlearned, but candid, eager, and loving. In his heart, first of all, his conviction grew, and then from his lips came the spontaneous confession:” “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God!”

(Magnificat, 2010)

The unlikely choice for the leader of the Apostles and disciples seems to be Peter. His background and his lack of education and recognition among the learned would seem to count against him. In the episode from Matthew today where Peter declares the understanding given him through the resonance of his indwelling Spirit with the Spirit of Jesus we begin to understand the qualities of the leader of the Body of Christ. The intimacy with the Divine is the key. The story of Peter also reveals that this intimacy was not always at play in the decisions and actions of “the Rock” as it is not always obvious in the lives of all humanity. However, when we like Peter hear and respond to these promptings, great things are possible.

References

Magnificat. (2010, May 21). SAINTS PETER and PAUL. Retrieved June 29, 2010, from Magnificat: http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/06-29.htm

Followers of Jesus

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today echo the messages of yesterday. Matthew’s account of the discipline required of the followers of Jesus is shorter than Luke’s. The mission is the number one priority of the disciple. As the pastor of my Parish church put it last night as we celebrated his six years of service in our community and wished him well in his new parish, “When the call comes, you answer it”. The believer comes to life in the ‘yes’. The path to which we are called by the relationship with the Divine, through the indwelling Spirit, is our Life and the path to the ‘whole-i-ness’ which is the motivation of our being. The psalmist and the texts from the Hebrew bible today lament the falling away from the path of attending to the promptings of the Spirit. The options presented by Moses in Deuteronomy are still before us. ‘Choose Life’ is the path that the indwelling Spirit prompts us to take.
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Faithful Folowers for 400 years

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for the 13th Sunday in ordinary time offers four texts which can take meditation in many directions. Today a Mass was celebrated on Halifax Common with the people of the Mi'kmaq 1st Nation. Archbishop Martin Currie spoke of the way the faith has been kept by the Mi'kmaq for 400 years. In particular, he mentioned that after the expulsion of the Acadians in 1755 most of the Catholics in Atlantic Canada were Mi'kmaq. Richard Rohr has presented the idea that the understanding of the Divine forgiving, loving and indwelling Spirit comes most certainly in one’s life through living great love or great suffering. Unfortunately, some of the great suffering of the Mi'kmaq people has been at the hands of the Church which attempts to understand and live as Jesus disciples. The question of worthiness of discipleship which is hinted at in the texts is easy seen as not applying to the Mi'kmaq faithful. They are more those who “have been washed clean in the blood of the Lamb”. We are reminded of many of the paradox of the Way. The humble, faithful, quiet, meek and gentle have the intimacy with the Spirit. The sheep are led by the Lamb.

Nations Reconcile and Restore

The psalmist in the texts for today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary calls on the Lord “Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.” This lament follows the description of the desolation which overcomes the people who lose track of the work of the Divine in their lives. The humiliation expressed in these texts is countered by the restoration of health of the centurion’s son and the mother-in-law of Peter. Jesus acts in communion with the faith of the healed and the observers to bring health He reaches out to the family of the centurion, who is an outsider and an infidel to Judaism From our perspective, 2000 years later, The Roman Catholic Church has benefited from the “Roman” influence in Church history. (Certainly, a list of misfortunate events and attitude can also be linked to Roman influence, including the very ‘authority’ model presented to Jesus by the centurion). This week descendents aboriginal people and the European people gathered on the Halifax common to commemorate 400 years since the “Baptism” of Grand Chief Membertou. The Mi'kmaq have contributed much to Atlantic Canada Catholicism over the centuries. The faithful in Mi'kmaq communities inspire others by the depth of their devotion. A special gift of Mi'kmaq to Christianity is the devotion to St Anne, mother of Mary. The maternal tradition in Mi'kmaq culture is strong. This is a life filled viewpoint for all Christians to consider. The response of the people in Halifax Common hopefully indicates a change of heart of the ‘majority culture’ towards the people whose ancestors helped the original Europeans survive the winters of this sometimes cold and unforgiving landscape.

Leper and Nation Restored

The Roman Catholic Lectionary features texts which are linked by rejection and the hope of restoration. The 2nd Book of Kings tells of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon killing the leaders of Judah after an escape from the siege of Jerusalem went badly. Matthew tells of the encounter of Jesus with a Leper who seeks restoration from his disease. He testifies that he believes that Jesus can help him. The deportation to Babylon, which the psalmist laments, has often been cited as an event which could have been avoided had the people of God depended more on being true to the Covenant than to living in the politics and intrigue of the human world. Restoration and renewal is the action of the Divine within those who open their being to the indwelling Spirit. It is the action for the leper and for the people of the Covenant.

The Birth of John the Baptist continues the Mission

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today presents the texts for the Birth of Saint John the Baptist. The mission which John is born to undertake is also described by Isaiah some 500 years earlier. The common thread is the Servant of Isaiah is to be a light to the world to restore the people to the fullness of their relationship with the Divine. The psalmist shares the insight of the intimacy that has always existed between Creator and creature, though we are most often unaware of this closeness. The Acts of the Apostles declare the relationship of Jesus to John. Acts perhaps hints at Jesus as the “Servant” in Isaiah. The Scripture texts on John portray the eccentric prophet calling the people to repent and change direction. This is also a message of Isaiah. Jesus will deliver the intimacy with the Divine through the experience of unconditional love for all.

A Tree and Its Fruit

The story from the Hebrew Testament in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today is of the discovery of the Book or scroll of the Law during the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem by Josiah. He immediately gathered the people together, and engaged them in a renewal of their ancient national covenant with God. The fruit of his effort was a renewed reliance on the direction of faith in the God of the Covenant of the life of Israel. Matthew relates Jesus advice to “Thus you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:20)”. The words and promises we hear are not as good a judge of people’s hearts as the evidence we see in their actions.

Encouraged to take the Divine advice

The 2nd Book of Kings, in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, takes up the story of the prayer of Hezekiah to God concerning the threat from Assyria to capture and lay waste to Jerusalem. The prophet reveals to Hezekiah that Sennecharib would not destroy the city of David. Historically, Hezekiah made concrete preparations for the Assyrian siege that Sennecharib finally laid on Jerusalem in 701 BCE. () Matthew contributes (3) short advice pieces from Jesus to those who are seeking to follow Him. The treasure about which the disciples have learned and experienced is precious. Caution is advised in disseminating the pearls to those who are not in a receptive frame of mind. The practice of doing to others as you would have them do to you (The Golden Rule) is a visible sign of a deeper spiritual relationship. The “many” we are advised seek the easy way. The way that Jesus is leading the disciples through is not the “easy” way. Life’s gifts are often deeply appreciated through great loving and great suffering.

Judging Others

The texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of the responsibilities we have to God in our relationship. This may seem to be an unequal partnership and it is! The 2nd book of Kings is a reminder of the consequence to Israel of allowing the covenant with God to be forgotten. The actions required of Israel under the Covenant to be God’s people perhaps if adopted would have alerted them to the dangers of living according to the customs and wars of their neighbours. Matthew presents Jesus exhortation on judgment. Certainly our tendency to “rush to judgment” of people and situations has wrought personal and national grief in broken and peace less relationships between people and nations. Like the psalmist we long for the spiritual health to follow Jesus wisdom and love in judging others

Patience with the Promise

After reading the texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the question of patience for the fulfillment of the Promise arises. When we review salvation history in the Christian tradition many of the promised events have occurred. The Eucharistic people mark Jesus incarnation as the significant promise. The letter to the Galatians is Paul’s proclamation of the consequence of the intimate relationship with the Divine through Jesus. This relationship, as Peter also recognizes through the spontaneous response of the indwelling Spirit in Luke’s Gospel, makes all divisions and categories of humanity superseded. Human identity is as “children of God”. Our heritage, as Luke reminds, is from Abraham. It is a heritage which includes all humanity and specifically today needs to celebrate the Promise for all “people of the Book”, Jew, Christian and Muslim. Part of the difficulty for disciples to which Luke refers is the need to be patience with Providence for the complete fulfillment of the Promise

Considering the Lilies of the Field

The texts today in the Roman Catholic Lectionary focus on the relationship of faithfulness to the life in communion with the Divine. The history of the people of Israel, from2 Chronicles, shows the consequences to the fabric of the society when the Covenant is neglected. Matthew relates Jesus invitation to “consider the lilies of the field” in our obsession for material wealth and security. The freedom of the faith that trusts providence is the gift that we are offered.

Eye of the Soul

The Roman Catholic Lectionary offers texts which relate the triumph of good and righteousness over corruption and idolatry in the faith history of Israel. Matthew continues the revelation of practices of the Children of God. We are cautioned to be aware of where our heart and treasure lie. The value of the treasure in our lives will be reflected in our way of life. The eye, the window of the soul, reflects the inner light or darkness of our “treasure”.

Glory Praise and Prayer

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today contains praise for God for the spirit of the great prophets Elijah and his successor Elisha. The psalmist echoes this praise for the graciousness and power of God evidenced in action with the people of Israel. Matthew recounts the instruction of Jesus about the Lord’s Prayer. Our noise in communication with the Divine is merely the prologue. The communication really occurs when we pause and wait in awe and wonder after encountering the Presence.

Pick up the Mantle

There is contrast in the images brought to mind by the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. The 2nd Book of Kings relates the transfer of the role of prophet from Elijah to Elisha. The presence of God in power and majesty accompanies this transfer as a fiery chariot of “Israel and its horsemen” ascends in a whirlwind to heaven. Elisha “picked up the mantle of Elijah “and is gifted to continue the mission of his mentor. Matthew continues to relate Jesus exhortations to live as children of God by practicing the 3 disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving without drawing attention to the action. The spiritual experiences in prayer, fasting and almsgiving prepare the disciple to “pick up the mantle of Jesus”.

Loving because of the Connection

Elijah is prompted to deliver the Word of God to Ahab who with the assistance of Jezebel, has committed serious offences against people and God. This text and Psalm 51 in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today are concerned with sin and remorse. Psalm 51 is one of the most remorseful pieces in literature. Matthew presents Jesus challenge to “love your enemies”. This certainly is a life change which requires the working of the in-dwelling Spirit. Those who have hurt us are to be loved by us. As a practical matter, reconciliation between people and tribes could not have a better beginning than mutual love. Conflict and confrontation would be difficult with the beloved. What is the quality of all that would admit them to the community of our beloved? It is the unity we share as temples of the in-dwelling Spirit which connects us at the most essential level. We need to dig deep to discover our connectedness. It is not a solitary act. Paul advises that the Divine Spirit cooperates with our Spirit in these actions of love.

Graced to try to "turn the other cheek"

The texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today bring a story of use of autocratic power to get what was desired and Matthew’s recounting of Jesus way of addressing the wrongs done us by our fellow humans.The psalmist proclaims “the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful.” This truth does not keep evil actions from affecting even the faithful. The exhortation of Jesus to “turn the other cheek” is truly challenging. He does not suggest that the wrongly attacked have a different authority to fight back on defend their case. The Prince of Peace sets a standard for peace which probably requires humans to transcend their humanity. Luckily, this is the grace foe those whose indwelling Spirit is intimate with the Divine Spirit. It is the Promise of Life!

Surprise! Forgiveness!

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today is overflowing with words of forgiveness. The understanding of the relationship with the Divine being based in forgiveness is not where we usually begin. We often put God in place as the Great Law Maker and policeman of these laws. Paul explains to the Galatians how his personal transformation through the relationship with the Divine revealed how the Law is the condemnation of humanity. The paradox of Paul that he lives no longer for himself but it is Jesus who lives in him helps us imagine the path of becoming Jesus. It necessarily and naturally involves the unconditional forgiveness and love that the “woman in sin” finds in the company of Jesus. It is the surprise of the sinful David related in the 2nd Book of Samuel. The Pharisees expected jesus to follow the tradition and be governed by the Law. They missed the truth of the tradition and the Law pointing to Jesus. Our expectations will never approach the graciousness of the Divine.

Heart with Mary

The Lectionary of the Roman Catholic Church today offers texts for the celebration of a memorial to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The passages from Isaiah and 1st Samuel praise the gracious generosity of God to Israel. The living out of the generous and loving nature of God is the vocation of all Christians. The expression of love in the “good heart “ of Mary of which we have images throughout Scripture and Tradition is the reflection for today. The liturgy reminds us of the thanksgiving of Hannah upon the birth of her son, Sampson. The Church daily recalls Mary’s Magnificat , re-echo of Hannah in the of the evening prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. We are reminded today, like yesterday, that “having heart” for the Creation is our place. The witness of Mary in love is the model we examine today.

A Matter of Heart

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today contains texts for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The texts for this feast which originated in a series of 4 mystical apparitions of Jesus and the love and suffering related to his heart. Western Christians are shy about the “whole body” experience of spirituality. The texts today use the whole body figure of the shepherd as representing the relationship of the Divine to humans. This imagery allows us to see, feel, smell and even taste the Divine. We know people of whom it can be described “he has heart”. This is the attribution that this feast associates with God as a Divine characteristic but even more importantly as a living gift to humanity of the “heart of God” so that our “having heart” may be a transcendent and transformative experience for the “sheep” in our care.

Arresting Anger

The episode of the end of the drought, as prophesized by Elijah, is presented from the 1st Book of Kings in one of the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today. The action of the Lord to bring the rain is echoed in the praise of the psalmist for the Providence which is visible in nature. Matthew relates the continuation of Jesus completion of the tradition in the Law and the prophets by examining the roots of anger. At what point is “a wrong done” may be a judicial decision. The movement away from the Divine Way occurs when the person chooses to move in the angry direction.

Oldie but Goodie

The psalmist in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today proclaims” The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup”. Today, we have many on the path to “spiritual health”. This path is one which offers options and invites commitment and discipline. The role of “spiritual discipline” is to provide a time proven path to access the understanding and experience of those who have gone before us in the “journey”. We may stumble upon the “truth” but Matthew records Jesus assertion that He is not destroying the Law and the Prophets as guides for the faithful, but is completing them. Elijah ,in the passage from the 1st Book of Kings, demonstrates the richness and power of the tradition which the people were abandoning for a “more human deity”. This is an easy and false trap. The transcendent and transformative nature of the relationship with the Divine is beyond human understanding by definition!

Light the Way and taste good

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today causes me to consider the importance of a human person in the spread of the Good News of the invitation to intimacy with the Divine. In the 1st Book of Kings, I wonder about the role of the person of Elijah in the calling of the widow to faith in Providence. Matthew follows the account of the Beatitudes, yesterday, with the exhortation of Jesus to His disciples to be “Salt and Light”. The presence of the human to guide and provide life through example is the invitation to know the Presence within the indwelling Spirit.

Help with being Blessed

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today includes the text from Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus presents the a picture of the “Blessed Life”. The person who relies on God for guidance and direction will move toward the attitudes of humility, simplicity, peace making, purity and righteousness which are recognized today as having a quality of “blessedness” This like the proclamation of the psalmist today may be the ability to know that help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Matthew and the author of 1st Kings do not predict a life free of trouble and trial. “Blessed “is in knowing that the indwelling Spirit is in communion with the Divine during all of life’s events.

Source and Summit for Love for All

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today contains the texts for the Solemnity of Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is the “source and the summit” of Life in the Roman Catholic Tradition. The mystical nature of this sacrament is not fully understood. The exploration of this mystery is often neglected by Christian believers. The reflection for today, from Creighton University's Online Ministries by Andy Alexander, S.J., is inspired by Pope Benedict XVI, Enclycical on the Eucharist, entitled The Sacrament of Charity (Sacramentum Caritatis). It was released after the Apostolic Synod on the Eucharist (2007).
Fr. Alexander quotes Benedict XVI “union with Christ is also union with all those to whom he gives himself”. This breaks down the barriers between all humanity and compels action from those in communion to seek justice for all, to love all and to forgive all. The mysticism of the Sacrament has its full impact as Jesus continues to minister to all people through the Body of Christ sourced for all in the Sacrament and those in communion become the “bread broken and shared” for all.

Change of Task but not of Mission

Today the Roman Catholic Lectionary offers some apparently diverse themes. Jesus points out the paradox of the greater gift given by the widow and the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees in the text from mark’s Gospel. Paul addresses Timothy with advice to persevere in the actions of the ministry. He relates his understanding that he is approaching the end of the race, though it is not a retirement from the mission but a sense that most of his work is behind him. The psalmist echoes these sentiments of the person who is perhaps expected and maybe expects himself to retire to leave the scene. The disciple only leaves when the Lord calls him home. The details of the service may change but the indwelling Spirit remains connected to the continuous love and mission.

Persecution Paradox Persists

Paul outlines the events of his ministry to Timothy in one of the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today. The theme of the difficulty and opposition which the believers will experience is throughout the texts. The psalmist prays thanksgiving for the peace known by the faithful who are persecuted by princes. Mark relates another verbal conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities. This time he cleverly redirects their assertions about the nature of the Messiah. The great paradox of the words of peace and love and discontent, friction and persecution being present together is a continuing effect of the stirring of the indwelling Spirit by the Divine Presence.

Living the First Commandment

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer some insight into the means of moving toward a life more marked by holiness and intimacy with the indwelling Spirit. The movement toward the Divine will involve approaching the behavior recommended by Paul to Timothy. The faithful will emulate the Life and Death of Jesus to be love in the world for others in accordance with the will of the Father. This life will be an example of how to live the Great Commandment which Mark shows Jesus explaining to the searchers who sought the kingdom of God. The psalmist conveys the attitude of the true seeker who is humble and aware of the wonder and awe which surrounds the very path ot which he aspires. The creature is not Creator yet he is invited to friendship with the Lord.

Mark this Wisdom and Attitude

The texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer a contrast of attitude. The Gospel from Mark tells of another confrontation between the religious authorities and Jesus where the attempt is made to trap Jesus in a false theological argument. Again Jesus leads us to the strategy of not being drawn in to the dualistic nature of argument. Wisdom leads to examination of issues from all sides and the openness new inspiration on the topic. The contrast is great between this situation of elevation of self and our ideas to the thanksgiving of Paul to and for the people in his mission and the positioning by the psalmist of human endeavour and life at the pleasure (and delight!) of the Divine.

More Wisdom from Mark

The Roman Catholic Lectionary presents texts which, at first glance, seem to be very different. The conclusion of the 2nd letter of Peter looks to the final days when creation comes to an end. The author exhorts the reader to be found at peace when Jesus returns. Marks’s gospel relates an episode of the authorities attempting to disturb the peace of the companions of Jesus. The technique is to pose and either/or question or proposal. A practical and spiritual strategy advocated by Franciscan priest and scholar, Richard Rohr is to encourage wisdom and peace by avoiding dual thinking. Jesus response is non dual. He seeks, literally and figuratively to see both sides of the coin. In this way, wisdom is advanced and peace is maintained. The psalmist speaks of seventy years, perhaps eighty, if we are strong. How precious is the peace we enjoy by acting wisely during our time.