The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the possible boundaries we have experienced to the practice of our faith.
Practice faith
The reading from the Second Book of Maccabees is the account of the martyrdom of the Seven Brothers.
* [7:28] God did not make them out of existing things: that is, all things were made solely by God’s omnipotent will and creative word; cf. Heb 11:3. This statement has often been taken as a basis for “creation out of nothing” (Latin creatio ex nihilo).1
Psalm 17 is a prayer for deliverance from persecutors.
* [Psalm 17] A lament of an individual unjustly attacked. Confident of being found innocent, the psalmist cries out for God’s just judgment (Ps 17:1–5) and requests divine help against enemies (Ps 17:6–9a). Those ravenous lions (Ps 17:9b–12) should be punished (Ps 17:13–14). The Psalm ends with a serene statement of praise (Ps 17:15). The Hebrew text of Ps 17:3–4, 14 is uncertain.2
The Gospel of Luke shares the Parable of the Ten Pounds.
* [19:11–27] In this parable Luke has combined two originally distinct parables: (1) a parable about the conduct of faithful and productive servants (Lk 19:13, 15b–26) and (2) a parable about a rejected king (Lk 19:12, 14–15a, 27). The story about the conduct of servants occurs in another form in Mt 25:14–20. The story about the rejected king may have originated with a contemporary historical event. After the death of Herod the Great, his son Archelaus traveled to Rome to receive the title of king. A delegation of Jews appeared in Rome before Caesar Augustus to oppose the request of Archelaus. Although not given the title of king, Archelaus was made ruler over Judea and Samaria. As the story is used by Luke, however, it furnishes a correction to the expectation of the imminent end of the age and of the establishment of the kingdom in Jerusalem (Lk 19:11). Jesus is not on his way to Jerusalem to receive the kingly power; for that, he must go away and only after returning from the distant country (a reference to the parousia) will reward and judgment take place.3
George Butterfield shares about taking the family out to dinner to celebrate his youngest son’s birthday.
The prophet Hosea said that God is like that; he loves his children and enjoys lifting them to his cheeks. Everybody in our family wanted to hold that baby up against their face. This is something the Lord does. It is one way that his glory appears. We have an intimate relationship with one who is madly in love with us and treats us like I treat my grand-children. Finally, the Lord’s glory appears when he allows us to live in his presence and behold his face. “The apple of your eye” is delicate and requires coverings and great care. Hiding in the shadow of his wings is a beautiful picture. The hen’s wings cover the chicks so that they are protected and safe. God’s glory appears as he cares for and protects us. He does this so that we can dwell in his presence and gaze upon his face. When the Lord’s glory appears, joy follows. Wrongs are made right, a father/child relationship grows, and we dwell safely in his presence.4
Don Schwager quotes “Talents are divine gifts given to the faithful,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"To those who believe in him, the Savior distributes a variety of divine gifts. We affirm that this is the meaning of the talent. Truly great is the difference between those who receive the talents and those who have even completely denied his kingdom. They are rebels that throw off the yoke of his scepter, while the others are endowed with the glory of serving him. As faithful servants, therefore, they are entrusted with their Lord's wealth. They gain something by doing business. They earn the praises due to faithful service, and they are considered worthy of eternal honors." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 129)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31 comments that when her son’s mind was probably racing between fear and determination, between courage and grief, his mother gave him a lifeline. Look up! In the midst of the very real threat to his life, he could see that the God of heaven was greater than this cruel torturer. Surely the God who made the universe was big enough to take care of him no matter what happened. As he looked beyond the created realm to the Creator himself, he could find the hope of heaven and the strength to endure what might come.
God knows it’s not easy to shift our perspective like this. But these young men from our first reading are our examples. So are the martyrs throughout the ages who have been able to face suffering and death with joy. We also have the lived experience of our own friends and family who have endured hardship by keeping their eyes on the God who made the heavens. Let them inspire you to look up to God and find the strength to follow their example. “Heavenly Father, help me to lift my eyes to you.”6
Friar Jude Winkler notes the development of a belief in the resurrection of the dead in the Book of Maccabees. Developing our talents to serve others may be inhibited by our fears. Friar Jude suggests that our talents are multiplied when we use them to serve others.
Franciscan Media comments that Saint Elizabeth of Hungary manifested such great love for the poor and suffering that she became the patroness of Catholic charities and of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Elizabeth understood well the lesson Jesus taught when he washed his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper: The Christian must be one who serves the humblest needs of others, even if one serves from an exalted position. Of royal blood, Elizabeth could have lorded it over her subjects. Yet she served them with such a loving heart that her brief life won for her a special place in the hearts of many. Elizabeth is also an example to us in her following the guidance of a spiritual director. Growth in spiritual life is a difficult process. We can play games very easily if we don’t have someone to challenge us.7
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares the work of author and psychotherapist Gerald May (1940–2005). May explores how addiction keeps us from living with the full love and freedom for which we were created.
But our freedom is not complete. Working against it is the powerful force of addiction. Psychologically, addiction uses up desire. It is like a psychic malignancy, sucking our life energy into specific obsessions and compulsions, leaving less and less energy available for other people and other pursuits. Spiritually, addiction is a deep-seated form of idolatry. The objects of our addictions become our false gods. These are what we worship, what we attend to, where we give our time and energy, instead of love. Addiction, then, displaces and supplants God’s love as the source and object of our deepest true desire. . . .8
When we refocus our talents on helping others, we practice the Jesus Way and grow in love and compassion.
References
No comments:
Post a Comment