Promises and proper produce

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today develop contemplation of Covenant and legacy into the conversion of “me to we” in becoming a parent.

Parent and path of life

The reading from the Book of Genesis describes the sealing of the Covenant between God and Abram promising land and descendants.

* [15:1–21] In the first section (vv. 1–6), Abraham is promised a son and heir, and in the second (vv. 7–21), he is promised a land. The structure is similar in both: each of the two promises is not immediately accepted; the first is met with a complaint (vv. 2–3) and the second with a request for a sign (v. 8). God’s answer differs in each section—a sign in v. 5 and an oath in vv. 9–21. Some scholars believe that the Genesis promises of progeny and land were originally separate and only later combined, but progeny and land are persistent concerns especially of ancient peoples and it is hard to imagine one without the other.1 

Psalm 105 is a hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people.

* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Ps 105:7–11).2 

The passage from the Gospel of Matthew warns against following false prophets.

* [7:15–20] Christian disciples who claimed to speak in the name of God are called prophets (Mt 7:15) in Mt 10:41; Mt 23:34. They were presumably an important group within the church of Matthew. As in the case of the Old Testament prophets, there were both true and false ones, and for Matthew the difference could be recognized by the quality of their deeds, the fruits (Mt 7:16). The mention of fruits leads to the comparison with trees, some producing good fruit, others bad.3 

Tamora Whitney reminds us to look at actions, not appearances.

Don’t trust the wolf who looks innocent in the sheepskin, but see what fruit he bears. He will prove himself to be ravenous monster he is underneath, not the innocent sheep he appears on the surface. Only a fig tree can bear figs, you’ll only get stung by a thistle. The good people will show their goodness, and the bad cannot hide their true nature for long.4 

Don Schwager quotes “Beware of false prophets,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

"Jesus reminded them of what happened to their ancestors who were attracted to false prophets. The same dangers are now faced as those that occurred in earlier days. He reminded them of the experience of their ancestors so that they would not despair at the multitude of troubles that would mount up on this way that is narrow and constricted. He reminded them that it is necessary to walk in a way that goes contrary to the common opinion. One must guard oneself not only against pigs and dogs but those other, more elusive creatures: the wolves. They were going to face inward anxieties as well as outward difficulties, but they are not to despair. 'Therefore do not be thrown into confusion,' Jesus says in effect, 'for nothing will happen that is new or strange. Remember that the ancient adversary is forever introducing deception as if true.'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 23.6)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 comments that we may sometimes feel like Abram did when we are waiting for a loved one to be healed, a broken relationship to be restored, or a wayward child to return to God. As time passes and we wait for signs that our prayers will be answered, it can be hard to keep hope alive. Sometimes we may wonder if God has forgotten us. Or we may even question whether he is really faithful to his word.

But God has made a covenant with you, and you can count on him. His faithfulness and his promise of an eternal reward are unwavering. He may not work in your preferred time frame or exactly the way you expect, but he will answer you.6 

I find a corollary to the concept of God’s time not being our time in one of the consolations often voiced by Friar Jude Winkler that God answers prayers and impacts our lives in a manner that is always the best result for us. Much of the time it is possible to accept Providence in this way, however I struggle with a few experiences including, in my opinion, the untimely death of my nephew and two Christian friends at work. These three people, in particular, were producing the good fruit referred to in the Gospel. The very long view of God, not constrained by time and space, and not limited in perception like humans, is the basis of hope and trust that my struggles exist because I have not yet been gifted to know even as I am known. ( 1 Corinthians 13).

Friar Jude Winkler explains how in the ritual described involving God and Abram, God accepts the curse component of the Covenant. The land, described as promised, is close to the extent of Israel in the small empire of King David. Friar Jude describes the importance that those who teach about Christ bear bear a transparency and authenticity in their lives.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, calls on Brie Stoner, committed student of the contemplative path, and parent to expand on the idea that no one is ever ready to become a parent.

It is precisely that vulnerability that becomes our path as parents. Suddenly we come around to recognizing what has always been true: we are not in control of our universe and never have been. But now that we are oriented toward wanting to protect the small life in our care, we delude ourselves for a while and nearly lose our minds trying to be in control. Our ego is certain that we will fare better, we will do this parenting thing right (not like our parents!). We obsessively read every book, taking every how-to-correctly-attach-to-your-baby class, . . . and live temporarily under the fallacy that we can control schedules, perfectly discipline behavior positively, and . . . and. . . .7 

The Another Name for Every Thing podcast with Richard Rohr explores the "me to we" theme.

  Covenant promise to Abram to become a parent points to our opportunity to experience selfless love through family and transform our ego self to more authentic lovers.

References

1	(n.d.). Genesis, chapter 15 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 26, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/15
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 105 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 26, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/105
3	(n.d.). Matthew, chapter 7 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 26, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/7
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved June 26, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 26, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). 12th Week in Ordinary Time - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved June 26, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/06/26/
7	(2019, June 26). Becoming a Parent — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 26, 2019, from https://cac.org/becoming-a-parent-2019-06-26/