Attitude and anawim

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer reflection on the attitude we need to follow Jesus in service of others.

People and service

The Letter of James exhorts us to humility with Jesus.

* [4:6] The point of this whole argument is that God wants the happiness of all, but that selfishness and pride can make that impossible. We must work with him in humility (Jas 4:10).

The disciples in the Gospel of Mark are directed by Jesus to serve the least in society.

* [9:33–37] Mark probably intends this incident and the sayings that follow as commentary on the disciples’ lack of understanding (Mk 9:32). Their role in Jesus’ work is one of service, especially to the poor and lowly. Children were the symbol Jesus used for the anawim, the poor in spirit, the lowly in the Christian community.

The USCCB introduces the Letter of James describing early Christianity that emphasized sound teaching and responsible moral behavior.

James represents a type of early Christianity that emphasized sound teaching and responsible moral behavior. Ethical norms are derived not primarily from christology, as in Paul, but from a concept of salvation that involves conversion, baptism, forgiveness of sin, and expectation of judgment (Jas 1:17; 4:12).

Sr. Joan L. Roccasalvo shares insight into the anawim mentioned by Jesus in the Gospel today.

The anawim of the Old Testament were the poor of every sort: the vulnerable, the marginalized, and socio-economically oppressed, those of lowly status without earthly power. In fact, they depended totally on God for whatever they owned. The Hebrew word anawim (inwetan) means those who are bowed down.

Cindy Costanzo shares self-examination of personal desires and motives as she asks reflection questions.

Do I manipulate others to achieve my own goals? Am I critical of others because I want myself to look good?Am I reactive and defensive because I am embarrassed or ashamed? Am I inflexible so I can stay in control of the situation? or person?Am I afraid to ask questions because it makes me vulnerable? Am I anxious because of fear?

Don Schwager declares God wants to fill us with his own glory.

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). If we want to be filled with God's life and power, then we need to empty ourselves of everything which stands in the way - pride, self-seeking glory, vanity, etc. God wants empty vessels so he can fill them with his own glory, power, and love (2 Corinthians 4:7). Are you ready to humble yourself and to serve as Jesus did?

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 9:30-37 states that our Father wants us to feel free to ask him any question that comes to mind. Questioning is the first step toward a deeper understanding.

There’s no better place than in prayer to ask questions of the Lord. We may not always hear an answer, but when we do, it will have a way of sticking to our hearts and building our faith. In fact, there will be times that you are genuinely surprised at the insight God gives you about a problem you are facing or a mystery you can’t unravel.

Friar Jude Winkler translates the advice of James to our duty to look for creative ways of service for others and avoid the distractions that are self serving. Jesus drew His title of Son of Man from Daniel 7 and His theme for serving others from the Songs of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. The disciples in Mark misunderstood this on several occasions.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that Religion points toward a Mystery that we don’t know—can’t know—until we have experienced it.

Poetry gives you resonance more than logical proof, and resonance is much more healing and integrating. It resounds inside of you. It evokes and calls forth a deeper self. When religion becomes mere philosophy, definitions, moralisms, and rituals, it no longer has the power to transform.

Resonance arising from contemplative action in prayer and poetry resets our conscious being to attitudes of humble service.

References


(n.d.). James, chapter 4 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 22, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/james/4

(n.d.). James — introduction - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 22, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/scripture.cfm?bk=67&ch=&v=7

(n.d.). Mark, chapter 9 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 22, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/9

(2012, December 5). The Anawim: who are they? - By Sr. Joan L. Roccasalvo, C.S.J.. Retrieved May 22, 2018, from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column/the-anawim-who-are-they-2386

(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved May 22, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 22, 2018, from http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/

(n.d.). Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious (Optional Memorial) - Mass Readings .... Retrieved May 22, 2018, from https://wau.org/meditations/

(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 22, 2018, from https://cac.org/richard-rohr/daily-meditations/daily-meditations-archive/