The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to meditate on the mission that may be contained in the name by which we are called by the Spirit to serve the people of God.
The reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah describes the servant’s mission.
* [49:1–7] The second of the four “servant of the Lord” oracles (cf. note on 42:1–4).
* [49:1] Gave me my name: designated me for a special task or mission (cf. Jer 1:5).
* [49:3] Israel: the servant is identified with the people of Israel as their ideal representative; however, vv. 5–6 seem to distinguish the servant from Israel.
* [49:6] The servant’s vocation extends beyond the restoration of Israel in order to bring the knowledge of Israel’s God to the rest of the earth; cf. Lk 2:32. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 49, n.d.)
Psalm 139 praises the Inescapable God.
* [Psalm 139] A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s presence in every part of the universe (Ps 139:7–12), and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company (Ps 139:19–24). (Psalms, PSALM 139, n.d.)
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles shares Paul’s address in the Synagogue.
* [13:16–41] This is the first of several speeches of Paul to Jews proclaiming that the Christian church is the logical development of Pharisaic Judaism (see also Acts 24:10–21; 26:2–23). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, the Birth of John the Baptist is recalled.
* [1:57–66] The birth and circumcision of John above all emphasize John’s incorporation into the people of Israel by the sign of the covenant (Gn 17:1–12). The narrative of John’s circumcision also prepares the way for the subsequent description of the circumcision of Jesus in Lk 2:21. At the beginning of his two-volume work Luke shows those who play crucial roles in the inauguration of Christianity to be wholly a part of the people of Israel. At the end of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 21:20; 22:3; 23:6–9; 24:14–16; 26:2–8, 22–23) he will argue that Christianity is the direct descendant of Pharisaic Judaism. (Luke, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)
Mary Lee Brock comments that through Ignatian contemplative prayer, she enters the scene of people gathering for a ceremony for John’s circumcision. Once Zechariah wrote the name John on the tablet he begins speaking in praise of God. We are witnessing something from God. We are beginning to understand that this baby is not simply a baby who was long awaited by his parents but a “miracle baby” who is destined for great things.
As my imagination leaves the scene of the party I open my heart and listen carefully for the voice of God. I ask God to show me times I have been stricken metaphorically mute by not putting my abiding faith in God. I pray for the courage to speak up for those who have been denied the opportunity to speak for themselves… people experiencing poverty, illness, incarceration, violence, shame, homelessness. I thank God for reminding me that I am surrounded by the support of family, friends and neighbors especially in those moments when I feel alone. And today I pray for my strong and resourceful grandmothers, Mary and Lena, who were the inspiration for my name. (Creighton U. Daily Reflection, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “The grace of God,” by Bede the Venerable, 672-735 A.D.
"John means 'the grace of God' or 'in whom there is grace.' By this name are expressed the entire extent of the grace of the gospel dispensation which he was to proclaim, and especially the Lord himself, through whom this grace was to be granted to the world... As to his subsequent declaration and confirmation of the name of John, and the opening of Zechariah's mouth and his speaking, blessing God, it is surely evident that once the grace of the new covenant was manifested by the apostles, a large number of priests also became obedient to the faith." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.20) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 49:1-6 comments that only eyes of faith could see in this infant the mighty prophet God had sent to prepare his people for the Messiah. John was destined to be the spark that would bring light to the nations. But his beginning was small indeed. In a similar way, our understanding of God’s ways often begins with just a glimmer. And that’s a mercy. It’s easier on our eyes than if God were to suddenly shine the full brightness of his light on us.
So don’t be discouraged if you catch only a glimpse of God’s love and his plan. Rejoice in what you do grasp, and ask the Holy Spirit to shed more light to deepen your understanding. Here’s a way to begin. Slow down and reread today’s Scriptures. Is there a word or phrase that ignites your interest or resonates with your spirit? Stop there. Linger with that spark and see where it leads you. “Lord Jesus, lead me ever closer to you, for you are the Light of the World and the light of my life.” (Meditation on Isaiah 49:1-6, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Suffering Servant passage from the Prophet Isaiah might be applied to John the Baptist. The unworthiness of John the Baptist to unfasten the sandal of Jesus may refer to the matrimonial symbolism of the Levirate marriage as he is deferring to Jesus to become the husband of the widow Israel. FriarJude reminds us to seek our “name” for service with awe and anticipation.
James Finley notes that, in a dialogue about spirituality and the Twelve Steps, Father Thomas Keating (1923–2018) identifies the role of emotional sobriety in recovery. CAC teacher James Finley poetically describes the encounter with God that supports our healing from addiction.
Can I join God in knowing who God knows me to be? Can I join God in seeing who God sees me to be . . . ? This is salvation. In order to do this, I have to let go of my own present way of seeing things, and I discover I can’t. We’re afraid to lose the control that we think that we have over the life that we think that we’re living, and we’re addicted to what binds us. “Out of the depths I cry unto thee, O Lord!” [Psalm 130:1] This is the cry for salvation. . . . Is this possible, that I could place my life over into your hands? Then the mystery of the cross is this mystery of being liberated from this deep addiction to the illusion of an ultimately isolated self that has to make it on its own. To realize I’m in the presence of the love that loves us and takes us to itself. Through that inner process of discipleship, or whatever we want to call it, we can come to . . . true sobriety, the peace of God that surpasses understanding. (Finley, 2022)
The Christian tradition of a Baptismal and Confirmation name mirrors our faith in being “called by name” by God, through the Spirit, to live in service of others in accord with the will of God.
References
Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13?22
Creighton U. Daily Reflection. (n.d.). Online Ministries. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/062322.html
Finley, J. (2022, June 23). An Enormous Freedom — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-enormous-freedom-2022-06-23/
Isaiah, CHAPTER 49. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/49?1
Luke, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?57
Meditation on Isaiah 49:1-6. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/06/23/416595/
Psalms, PSALM 139. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139?1
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jun23a
No comments:
Post a Comment