Provided by paradox

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to approach Scripture using a contemplative method like lectio divina to allow the Spirit to unfold paradox and Providence in our lives.

Guide when we stop

In the passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul pinpoints the grounds for the paradoxical strategy he has adopted in his self-defense.

 * [12:9b–10a] Paul draws the conclusion from the autobiographical anecdote and integrates it into the subject of this part of the boast. Weaknesses: the apostolic hardships he must endure, including active personal hostility, as specified in a final catalogue (2 Cor 12:10a). That the power of Christ may dwell with me: Paul pinpoints the ground for the paradoxical strategy he has adopted in his self-defense.1

The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued, can teach the “poor,” those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone.

* [Psalm 34] A thanksgiving in acrostic form, each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this Psalm one letter is missing and two are in reverse order. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Ps 34:5, 7), can teach the “poor,” those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone (Ps 34:4, 12). God will make them powerful (Ps 34:5–11) and give them protection (Ps 34:12–22).2 

The teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew is concerned with dependence on God.

* [6:25–34] Jesus does not deny the reality of human needs (Mt 6:32), but forbids making them the object of anxious care and, in effect, becoming their slave.3 

Jay Carney reminds us that our basic material needs – for things like food, drink, and clothing – can so easily undergird undue desires for mammon. Whether rich or poor, we all want to ensure a secure future. It is these desires for control and security that lie at the root of so much anxiety, so much worry, and so much greed.

On my way to the local university, I made about five wrong turns and soon had no idea how to proceed. Calling out the window to a group of workers, I inquired on how to reach the main highway. Laughing, one called back, “Mzungu (white man), you are lost!” He then jumped in the passenger seat and directed me to the right road. In the meantime, a university colleague informed my students that I was delayed. When I arrived over an hour late – a first in my teaching career – I thought my students would be sullen. Instead, they inexplicably broke into applause. At that moment, I knew I wouldn’t be “in control” this year. Yet I also knew that I would be the recipient of unmerited grace. Like Paul, Thomas More, and John Fisher, I learned in my own small way that “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
May each of us never forget that God – and our neighbors – are always ready to hop on board with us, guiding us forward on a path we only dimly see.4 

Don Schwager quotes “The value of life,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

"Note the acceleration of images: just when the lilies are decked out, he no longer calls them lilies but 'grass of the field' (Matthew 6:30 ). He then points further to their vulnerable condition by saying 'which are here today.' Then he does not merely say 'and not tomorrow' but rather more callously 'cast into the oven.' These creatures are not merely 'clothed but 'so clothed' in this way as to be later brought to nothing. Do you see how Jesus everywhere abounds in amplifications and intensifications? And he does so in order to press his points home. So then he adds, 'Will he not much more clothe you?' The force of the emphasis is on 'you' to indicate covertly how great is the value set upon your personal existence and the concern God shows for you in particular. It is as though he were saying, 'You, to whom he gave a soul, for whom he fashioned a body, for whose sake he made everything in creation, for whose sake he sent prophets, and gave the law, and wrought those innumerable good works, and for whose sake he gave up his only begotten Son.'" (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 22.1)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 6:24-34 suggests that part of the challenge is figuring out exactly how we should apply Jesus’ words to our situations. Oftentimes, the answer is not always clear. If we were to use the ancient practice of lectio divina in our reading, we might find it a little easier. This way of reading Scripture can be summarized in four steps:

• Reading. Quiet yourself, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you....

• Meditation. Take time to ponder what stood out from your reading of the passage...

• Prayer. Talk with God about this passage and how it relates to you...

• Contemplation. In the end, spend some time quietly with God. This is the time for listening, not talking. God may give you insight into how this passage applies to you. Or he may teach you or guide you in something altogether different.6 

Friar Jude Winkler explains Paul’s spiritual experience as he related it to the Corinthians. Christ can speak through all the difficulties of our situation. Friar Jude comments that we need to trust that Providence will take care of our needs rather than our wants.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares that spiritual gifts increase with use. Love, compassion, joy, and equanimity will grow as we let them flow. We are simply instruments, conduits for the inflow and outflow of the gifts of the Spirit. We are “inter-being.” He paraphrases Tibetan Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön, describing a practice for growing loving kindness. He invites us to set aside a quiet period to go through these simple steps with intention and openness.

1. Recognize the place of loving kindness inside yourself. It is there. Honor it, awaken it, and actively draw upon it.
2. Drawing upon the source of loving kindness within, bring to mind someone for whom you feel sincere goodwill and tenderness, someone you love very much. From your source, send loving kindness toward this person and bless them.
3. Awaken loving kindness for someone who is a casual friend or associate—someone not in your inner circle, but a bit further removed, someone you admire or appreciate. Send love to that individual.
4. Now send loving kindness to someone about whom you feel neutral or indifferent—for example, a waiter who served you dinner. Send your blessing to this person.
5. Think of someone who has hurt you, who has talked evil of you, whom you find it difficult to like or you don’t enjoy being around. Bless them; send this would-be enemy your love.
6. Bring all of the first five individuals into the stream of flowing love, including yourself. Hold them here for a few moments.
7. Finally, extend this love to embrace all beings in the universe. It is one piece of love, one love toward all, regardless of religion, race, culture, or likability.7

Setting aside time to be open to the Spirit as guide in our contemplation is key to living in the Christian paradox.

References

1	(n.d.). 2 Corinthians, chapter 12 - United States Conference of Catholic .... Retrieved June 22, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/12
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 34 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 22, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/34
3	(n.d.). Matthew, chapter 6 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 22, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved June 22, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 22, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(2019, June 22). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved June 22, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/06/22/
7	(2019, June 22). Conscious Love: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and .... Retrieved June 22, 2019, from https://cac.org/conscious-love-weekly-summary-2019-06-22/