The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to build a rule of life that recognizes our invitation to a Covenant of Love and Wisdom.
The reading from the Book of Deuteronomy is a concluding exhortation to be faithful to the Covenant to which God invites us.
The title of Deuteronomy in Hebrew is Debarim, “words,” from its opening phrase. The English title comes from the Septuagint of 17:18, deuteronomion, “copy of the law”; this title is appropriate because the book replicates much of the legal content of the previous books, serving as a “second law.” It brings to a close the five books of the Torah or Pentateuch with a retrospective account of Israel’s past—the exodus, the Sinai covenant, and the wilderness wanderings—and a look into Israel’s future as they stand poised to enter the land of Canaan and begin their life as a people there.1
Psalm 119 praises the glories of God’s Law.
* [Psalm 119] This Psalm, the longest by far in the Psalter, praises God for giving such splendid laws and instruction for people to live by. The author glorifies and thanks God for the Torah, prays for protection from sinners enraged by others’ fidelity to the law, laments the cost of obedience, delights in the law’s consolations, begs for wisdom to understand the precepts, and asks for the rewards of keeping them.2
In the Sermon on the Mount from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls us to Love for our enemies.
* [5:43–48] See Lv 19:18. There is no Old Testament commandment demanding hatred of one’s enemy, but the “neighbor” of the love commandment was understood as one’s fellow countryman. Both in the Old Testament (Ps 139:19–22) and at Qumran (1QS 9:21) hatred of evil persons is assumed to be right. Jesus extends the love commandment to the enemy and the persecutor. His disciples, as children of God, must imitate the example of their Father, who grants his gifts of sun and rain to both the good and the bad.3
Steve Scholer asks: “How do we respond in a hate-filled world, in a way that Jesus would approve of? Do we just disengage from the world, cancel our subscription to “biased” newspapers and magazines, stop watching anything on TV except cooking shows, or trade in our smartphones for an old-fashioned flip phone?”
I don’t think Jesus would approve of any of these actions, for his Gospel was not about retreating into the shadows, but rather living our faith and demonstrating daily our love and respect for all. Especially those with whom we disagree. Today’s Gospel ends with what some might call an impossible challenge: “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We know we can only strive for perfection, but in so doing, we all can show a little, no, make that a lot, more kindness to those with whom we might not always agree. And, who knows, maybe they will return the favor.4
The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew reminds us that God loves everyone, not because they deserve it, but because he is God, and God is love. And because Christ is in us, we can learn how to love in the same way.
Jesus is not calling us to a perfect outcome when it comes to loving everyone. But he is calling us to a more perfect outlook on those who trouble us. In some instances, this will take practice, prayer, and more than a few deep breaths. But when we stop seeing people as problems and start seeing them as pearls, we can be sure that we are beginning to love them. “Jesus, help me to see everyone as you see them so that I can love them as you love them.”5
Friar Jude Winkler discusses the gift of statutes and decrees from God in an ancient world that was terrified of offending the gods. The Chosen People would know what God expects of them. Friar Jude reminds us of the brokenness that is behind the hatred we may sense in others who need our love and generosity.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, notes that few contemporary writers speak about modern monasticism with as much depth and clarity as spiritual teacher Beverly Lanzetta. She notes that an important aspect of any monastic community is a rule of life, or code of conduct. In her recent book, A New Silence, Lanzetta explores ways in which the everyday contemplative practitioner can deepen their commitment to love of the Divine.
Over the years, I have composed and followed a personal rule of life. I include below excerpts from the original and longer rule, which you may find helpful in writing and living your own code of conduct.
1. Be faithful to the Divine in all that you do. Put the Divine will before your own. Ask, “What would God do?” and wait for the answer. Do not allow personal attraction or gain to cloud decision-making, or your soul’s intentions to be compromised.
2. Be simple of purpose. The basis of simplicity is centering on God. The heart of the monastic life is to live in God’s presence.
3. Love all of creation with Divine compassion. Total commitment brings change. Give to life your unparalleled commitment, and complete love, one that is without self-interest.
4. Offer yourself as a place of prayer. May your presence be one that heals divisions and expands hearts.
5. Be attuned to the splendor of creation, and the gentle web of existence. Celebrate embodiment. Actively work—both within yourself and in the world—to make the holy manifest.
6. Refrain from possession. Remember the transient nature of earthly life. Possession can occur on all levels: physical, emotional, psychic, spiritual. Love expands the spirit, possession contracts it.
7. Pray daily to grow in humility, and to be empty of the false self. Offer over to the Divine your regrets, sorrows, doubts, motives, and unresolved desires.
8. In all you do, practice no harm. Make a small footprint, tread lightly, become aware of the impact your actions have on others. The refusal to reflect on your motives leads to suffering (for others and also one’s self).
9. Treat all religions and spiritual paths with honor and respect. Enter silence. Keep faith alive.
10. Create community wherever you are. Make of your heart a home for the homeless, a refuge for the poor. Pray for the well-being of your monastic sisters and brothers.6
Contemplative practice of a rule of life that is based on love of others and nature helps the Spirit direct us to the perfect path.
References
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