The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today warn us of the consequence of lack of discipline in attending to desires that lead us into living as slaves of evil in the world.
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| Caution with current deceptions |
The reading from the Letter of James advises how to deal with trial and temptation.
* [1:13–15] It is contrary to what we know of God for God to be the author of human temptation (Jas 1:13). In the commission of a sinful act, one is first beguiled by passion (Jas 1:14), then consent is given, which in turn causes the sinful act. When sin permeates the entire person, it incurs the ultimate penalty of death (Jas 1:15).1
Psalm 94 presents bold declarations of faith, denunciation of evildoers, and assurance to the just.
* [Psalm 94] A lament of an individual who is threatened by wicked people. The danger affects the whole community. Calling upon God as judge (Ps 94:1–2), the Psalm complains about oppression of the holy community by people within (Ps 94:3–7). Bold declarations of faith follow: denunciation of evildoers (Ps 94:8–11) and assurance to the just (Ps 94:12–15). The Psalm continues with further lament (Ps 94:16–19) and ends with strong confidence in God’s response (Ps 94:20–23).2
Jesus warns of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod in the Gospel of Mark.
* [8:15] The leaven of the Pharisees…of Herod: the corruptive action of leaven (1 Cor 5:6–8; Gal 5:9) was an apt symbol of the evil dispositions both of the Pharisees (Mk 8:11–13; 7:5–13) and of Herod (Mk 6:14–29) toward Jesus. The disciples of Jesus are warned against sharing such rebellious attitudes toward Jesus; cf. Mk 8:17, 21.3
Nancy Shirley offers what she calls a quite simplified and probably not with all the nuances required, understanding that at Passover everything was new and thus unleavened bread – no more “influence” from the past. Thus Jesus was telling them to not be influenced by Herod or the Pharisees in how to live their lives.
How often do we need to be reminded to not let such influences enter our lives and be absorbed into our being and our behavior? Sometimes, we need to act as unleavened bread and be renewed as fresh. We need to connect with the sacredness of all around us – to take off our shoes and walk on the Sacred Ground that Jesus has laid before us. To let our Faith be greater than any of our fears!!4
Don Schwager quotes “Heed the truth of the Gospel,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD).
"The apostles are ordered to watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They are warned not to be involved in the disputes of the Jews. The works of the law are now to be viewed in the light of faith. They are forewarned that they, into whose time and age the truth had appeared incarnate, should judge nothing except which lies within the position of hope in likeness of the truth that is revealed. They are warned against allowing the doctrine of the Pharisees, who are unaware of Christ, to corrupt the effectiveness of the truth of the gospel." (excerpt from commentary ON MATTHEW 16.3)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on James 1:12-18 declares Scripture is an avenue for the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We can expect that as we read, something will jump out at us—something the Lord will use to guide us, comfort us, or help us through the day.
So read the Scriptures every day and take time to reflect on what you read. Take, for example, another verse from today’s first reading: “All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). How does it make you feel? Perhaps it makes you want to thank God for your blessings. Or perhaps it makes you realize that despite whatever struggles you may be enduring, God is still in charge and he is good.
If Scripture gives you an inspiration, don’t ignore it. You never know, God could be trying to “birth” something new in your life!6
Friar Jude Winkler shares how we can develop discipline through our experience of temptation. We thank God for teaching us and providing the strength we need. Friar Jude comments that the cynicism of our time needs to be countered by being authentic disciples of Christ.
Cynthia Bourgeault shares how Three-Centered Awareness—heart, mind, and body—allows us to be fully present to ourselves, our lives, and God. We are inspired by the Spirit to seek truth, beauty, and goodness.
The “work” is to discover our starting position and reach out to incorporate the other two so that they are fully—and in a balanced way—part of our perceptual center. Whatever center you may find yourself to be, don’t detain yourself on it, because it immediately sets out your job of discovering where the other two are hiding inside yourself and bringing them forward. It’s only when you have balanced the three centers—kinesthetic moving center, emotional center, and intellectual center—and integrated them that you become conscious. We’ve got to have all three as the basis of a good, strong tripod before we’re really awake.7
In our journey, awareness of the need for balance and alertness to the deceptions of our world will enhance our authenticity.
References
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