Humble Righteousness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today help reset our frequently held notions that place our individual state and welfare above the invitation of Jesus to full life by placing the needs of others first.

Community in Need

The reading from the Letter to the Philippians is a plea for unity and humility by imitating Christ’s Humility.

* [2:5] Have…the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus: or, “that also Christ Jesus had.” While it is often held that Christ here functions as a model for moral imitation, it is not the historical Jesus but the entire Christ event that Phil 2:6–11 depict. Therefore, the appeal is to have in relations among yourselves that same relationship you have in Jesus Christ, i.e., serving one another as you serve Christ (Phil 2:4). (Philippians, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

Psalm 131 is a song of quiet trust.

* [Psalm 131] A song of trust, in which the psalmist gives up self-sufficiency (Ps 131:1), like a babe enjoying the comfort of its mother’s lap (Ps 131:2), thus providing a model for Israel’s faith (Ps 131:3). (Psalms, PSALM 131, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches about conduct of guests and hosts.

* [14:7–14] The banquet scene found only in Luke provides the opportunity for these teachings of Jesus on humility and presents a setting to display Luke’s interest in Jesus’ attitude toward the rich and the poor (see notes on Lk 4:18; 6:20–26; 12:13–34). (Luke, CHAPTER 14, n.d.)

John Shea S.J. comments that anything goes when we think we are superior to others.

If you want to drive recklessly, then go for it. You’re more important than anyone else on

the road and getting to your destination on time takes priority over the safety of others. If

you want to cheat on an exam, then do so. You’re already smarter than everyone in the

class so why waste your time by studying? If you want to steal from the poor, go for it.

They’re poor so they’re obviously inferior and you deserve to have the little they own.

In today’s first reading, St. Paul provides a corrective to this attitude of superiority, reminding us to “humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.” And Jesus shows us how to place this corrective into action, encouraging us to “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” to our tables. The very people society looks down upon are those we are called to welcome. Jesus ate with the outcasts, sinners, and tax collectors. Jesus, the Son of God, did not believe himself to be better than others. Neither should we. (Shea, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “First and last at the banquet table,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"'When,' he says, 'a man more honorable than you comes, he that invited you and him will say, 'Give this man place.' Oh, what great shame is there in having to do this! It is like a theft, so to speak, and the restitution of the stolen goods. He must restore what he has seized because he had no right to take it. The modest and praiseworthy person, who without fear of blame might have claimed the dignity of sitting among the foremost, does not seek it. He yields to others what might be called his own, that he may not even seem to be overcome by empty pride. Such a one shall receive honor as his due. He says, 'He shall hear him who invited him say, 'Come up here.' ...If any one among you wants to be set above others, let him win it by the decree of heaven and be crowned by those honors that God bestows. Let him surpass the many by having the testimony of glorious virtues. The rule of virtue is a lowly mind that does not love boasting. It is humility. The blessed Paul also counted this worthy of all esteem. He writes to those who eagerly desire saintly pursuits, 'Love humility.'"(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 101) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Philippians 2:1-4 urges us to iImitate the apostles and the first Christians who were “of one heart and mind” and who made sure that “there was no needy person among them” (Acts 4:32, 34). This may sound difficult, but remember two things. First, this kind of self-giving unity is a goal to strive toward; no one expects us to achieve it immediately. And second, single-hearted unity is ultimately Christ’s gift to us. It’s the reason he sent the Holy Spirit to live among us. We shouldn’t think we can achieve it on our own.

Is there someone who needs you right now? Is there some way you can lift up a brother or sister in the Lord? Then go and do it! It doesn’t have to be something grand or important. Every act of love and service brings you one step closer to the unity of heart that is God’s desire for all of us.

“Jesus, teach me how to serve just as you did. Lord, make us one in heart!” (Meditation on Philippians 2:1-4, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes the passage from Philippians precedes the hymn that declares Jesus self-giving and the example of humility and compassion. We are called to surrender to serve. Too often we apply the Latin motto “do ut des” meaning “I give in order that you may give.” Friar Jude reminds us of the need for our emotional service to express love to those broken and in difficulty.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Kat Armas who shares how honoring the voices of our female ancestors enriches our faith. She calls it “abuelita theology”. She recounts losing sight of Christianity’s communal nature, and how the communion of saints inspires her.

I internalized the hyperindividualistic view of faith and salvation. . . . I bought into the idea that my spirituality is private, that my spiritual growth has absolutely nothing to do with my community, my ancestors—the cloud of witnesses, those I knew directly and indirectly—as well as the countless number of people who have influenced me or even those I myself have influenced. . . .

The communion of saints has enriched my theological imagination, particularly when it comes to my ancestors and las madres of the faith, the women throughout history who have gone before us paving the way, building their own tables, and offering a perspective of the divine, without which our faith would be lacking. . . . (Rohr, 2022)

We contemplate our experience of the “communion of saints” in our support of family, friends, and people we encounter in need.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 14. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14?12 

Meditation on Philippians 2:1-4. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/10/31/523654/ 

Philippians, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2?1 

Psalms, PSALM 131. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/131?1 

Rohr, R. (2022, October 31). Voices of Our Female Ancestors — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/voices-of-our-female-ancestors-2022-10-31/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture ... Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=oct31 

Shea, J. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/103122.html 

Mercy and Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today urge us to respond to the Spirit to see and be seen as people in gratitude for the Love of Christ that visits us in need.

Visit of Love

The reading from the Book of Wisdom contains a digression on God’s Mercy.

* [11:23] The combination of divine mercy and power is an unusual paradox, but cf. 12:15–18; Ps 62:12–13; Sir 2:18. The main emphasis is on a creating that is motivated by love; the divine “imperishable spirit” (either Wisdom as in 1:4, 7, or perhaps the breath of life as in Gn 2:7) is in everything (12:1). (Wisdom, CHAPTER 11, n.d.)

Psalm 145 praises the greatness and the goodness of God.

* [Psalm 145] A hymn in acrostic form; every verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Acrostic poems usually do not develop ideas but consist rather of loosely connected statements. The singer invites all to praise God (Ps 145:1–3, 21). The “works of God” make God present and invite human praise (Ps 145:4–7); they climax in a confession (Ps 145:8–9). God’s mighty acts show forth divine kingship (Ps 145:10–20), a major theme in the literature of early Judaism and in Christianity. (Psalms, PSALM 145, n.d.)

The reading from the Second Letter to the Thessalonians warns of the man of lawlessness.

* [1:3–12] On the thanksgiving, see note on Rom 1:8 and cf. 1 Thes 1:2–10. Paul’s gratitude to God for the faith and love of the Thessalonians (2 Thes 1:3) and his Christian pride in their faithful endurance (2 Thes 1:4–5) contrast with the condemnation announced for those who afflict them, a judgment to be carried out at the parousia (2 Thes 1:6–10), which is described in vivid language drawn from Old Testament apocalyptic. A prayer for the fulfillment of God’s purpose in the Thessalonians (2 Thes 1:11–12) completes the section, as is customary in a Pauline letter (cf. 1 Thes 1:2–3).

 

* [2:1–17] The Thessalonians have been shaken by a message purporting to come from Paul himself that the day of the Lord is already present. He warns against this deception in eschatology by citing a scenario of events that must first occur (2 Thes 2:3–12) before the end will come. (2 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.

* [19:1–10] The story of the tax collector Zacchaeus is unique to this gospel. While a rich man (Lk 19:2), Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man of Lk 18:18–23 who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus, according to Luke, exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth: he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor (Lk 19:8) and consequently is the recipient of salvation (Lk 19:9–10). (Luke, CHAPTER 19, n.d.)

Ann Mausbach comments that Jesus opens their eyes to what it means to seek out those who are lost. His actions embody the promise that anyone — anyone! — who desires to be seen by Jesus will. Being seen isn’t just for people who fit a narrow moral code. God's love extends to all of us. To see and be seen, according to Brene Brown, is the greatest gift of love. Today’s gospel provides a powerful example of what this love looks like in action.

As we work through our busy week let’s pray that we can be as vulnerable as Zacchaeus and take the risk of letting Jesus see us. Let’s also pray that we take a second look at those we have judged undeserving, see who they are, and not be surprised by their generosity and faith. Let’s clean off our glasses and really look and see Jesus working in and through our lives. Let's focus, by keeping God close to us. In doing this we cannot help but see and feel love, belonging and connection. (Mausbach, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “To see Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus's conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, 'Come down quickly.' Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merly in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 127) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Wisdom 11:22–12:2 comments that today’s first reading tells us that God chooses to “overlook” our sins and give us time to turn back to him. Or he may decide just to “rebuke [us] little by little” in the hope that we will ultimately repent (Wisdom 11:23; 12:2). Today’s Gospel reading shows us this approach in practice. Seeing Zacchaeus up in that sycamore tree, Jesus said nothing about whatever sins Zacchaeus might have committed. He didn’t even tell him to leave his job as a tax collector.

It may be hard to believe, but Jesus is not up in heaven keeping track of your offenses and devising your punishment. He’s standing before you, asking you to welcome him. He knows that if you do, his perfect, unending, personal love for you will bring you to a repentance that will bear sweet, abundant fruit.

“Lord, help me welcome you with an open heart.” (Meditation on Wisdom 11:22–12:2, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler explains the exclusion of the Book of Wisdom from the Hebrew and Protestant canons. The Wisdom text explains how God warns us and calls us little by little. Toward the end of the Church year, the texts reflect a theme of preparing for the end time. Friar Jude reminds us of the dangerous position Zacchaeus chose to be in contact with Jesus and of the realized eschatology contained in Luke’s Gospel.

Barbara Holmes writes of the broad and deep life to which her ancestors helped awaken her. At the passing of his mother, Father Richard Rohr experienced a connection or “bridge” to the life after death.

I believe that one of the essential events that we must walk through is the experience of the passion and death with someone we love, with someone we are bonded to, with someone we really care about. When my mother passed over, I had no doubt that she built a bridge—I don’t know what other words to use—she built a bridge and she took some of me over with her, and she sent some of herself back. I understand now at a deeper level what Jesus meant by “unless I go, the Spirit cannot come” (John 16:7). I think the normal pattern in history is for each generation to pass over, and to build the bridges of love and trust for the next generation coming afterwards. The all-important thing, for all of us, is that we be bonded somewhere. If you have never loved, there is no bridge. . . .

When you walk through someone’s passion with them, through someone’s learning to let go, and pass over with them in a moment of death, I’m convinced it’s then and only then that you really are prepared to understand the resurrection. . . . All Jesus came to teach us, and only needed to teach us, was how to walk through the great mystery, and not be put to shame and to trust that God is on the other side of it. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the prompting of the Spirit to rise above noise and clamour of everyday events and respond to the Love and Mercy offered by Jesus.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 19. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?1 

Mausbach, A. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/103022.html 

Meditation on Wisdom 11:22–12:2. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/10/30/522906/ 

Psalms, PSALM 145. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/145?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-continuum-of-life-2022-10-30/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zacchaeus Received Jesus Joyfully. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=oct30 

2 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2thessalonians/2 

Wisdom, CHAPTER 11. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/11?22