Called to Bring Good News

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary , the Feast of Saint Andrew, remind us of the zeal that accompanies our response to the Spirit calling us to be agents of the Good News.

Looking to Patron of our Heritage

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans exhorts us to Bring Good News.

* [10:9–11] To confess Jesus as Lord was frequently quite hazardous in the first century (cf. Mt 10:18; 1 Thes 2:2; 1 Pt 2:18–21; 3:14). For a Jew it could mean disruption of normal familial and other social relationships, including great economic sacrifice. In the face of penalties imposed by the secular world, Christians are assured that no one who believes in Jesus will be put to shame (Rom 10:11).

* [10:14–21] The gospel has been sufficiently proclaimed to Israel, and Israel has adequately understood God’s plan for the messianic age, which would see the gospel brought to the uttermost parts of the earth. As often in the past, Israel has not accepted the prophetic message; cf. Acts 7:51–53.

* [10:15] How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news: in Semitic fashion, the parts of the body that bring the messenger with welcome news are praised; cf. Lk 11:27. (Romans, CHAPTER 10, n.d.)

Psalm 19 praises God’s Glory in Creation and the Law.

* [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (Ps 19:2–7). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (Ps 19:8–11), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (Ps 19:12–14). The themes of light and speech unify the poem. (Psalms, PSALM 19, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Calls the First Disciples.

* [4:18–22] The call of the first disciples promises them a share in Jesus’ work and entails abandonment of family and former way of life. Three of the four, Simon, James, and John, are distinguished among the disciples by a closer relation with Jesus (Mt 17:1; 26:37). (Matthew, CHAPTER 4, n.d.)

Rev. Richard Gabuzda comments that many of us have read a passage of scripture in prayer or heard someone preaching and experienced what we might have called a “resting in the heart.” Perhaps we would describe it as “being struck,” or being convicted or being moved. In all these and other similar experiences, it is the power of the word at work, that is, the Holy Spirit who helps us hear the word and, as a result, brings us to greater faith.

But have we ever considered how, in less formal ways, our words might be vehicles of the Holy Spirit for growing faith in others?? A parent teaching a child to pray, a word of encouragement spoken to a co-worker that infuses faith into a difficult situation, a word of correction gently given, showing someone a new and better way to speak or act—are not all these situations at least potentially times when faith can be grown in others?

Perhaps in our prayer today we might ask the Lord to help us be more mindful of times and circumstances when we have or might be able to help others grow in faith by what we say and by what they hear. (Gabuzda, 2022)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus chooses them for what they can become,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.

"'Before he says or does anything, he calls the apostles so nothing may be concealed from them as to Christ's words or works and they may later say in confidence: 'For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard' (Acts 4:20). He sees them not bodily but spiritually, regarding not their appearance but their hearts. And he chooses them not as apostles but because they could become apostles. Just as an artist who sees precious, and not rough-hewn, stones chooses them - not because of what they are but because of what they can become. Like the sensitive artist who does not spurn the unshaped good - so too the Lord, upon seeing them, does not choose their works but their hearts." (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 7, the Greek fathers). (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 4:18-22 comments that when we are faced with a big decision or we sense God calling us to take an important step, the Lord doesn’t mind it if we take our time. In fact, listening to God usually requires time and patience. That’s because we may need to seek the help and prayers of fellow believers who have wisdom and experience in discernment. However, there may also be times, like the one described in this passage, when Jesus makes himself present to us and calls us by name in an especially powerful way. And in those times, we might so desire to be with him that we decide “at once” to follow him, as Andrew did (Matthew 4:20).

Read this Gospel passage again, but this time imagine yourself in Andrew’s place. You are hard at work next to Peter, casting your net into the sea. Then you see Jesus walking along the shoreline. He comes to a stop when he reaches you and calls your name. What is he asking you to do today? How will you respond?

“Jesus, thank you for calling me. St. Andrew, pray that I might become a faithful disciple like you.” (Meditation on Matthew 4:18-22, n.d.)

Friar Juide Winkler discusses the future eschatology of Paul as we believe in our heart to be justified, at peace, with God. We show our oneness with God through works that show our love for others. Friar Jude reminds us of the example of Andrew pointing to how God uses our talents to serve others in the Spirit of the Good News.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Episcopal priest Nontombi Naomi Tutu who finds a vision for the future of Christianity in the wisdom of the Hebrew prophet Amos.

Worship of God is . . . all about how we treat our neighbor, how we deal with the less fortunate, what we do to or for the widow and orphan, and how we treat the stranger in our midst. Amos tries . . . to make it clear to God’s people that the God who created and loves them, expects that their belief in God will challenge them to live lives that mirror God’s love. . . .

It is harder to see this Amos Christianity in the world, but I know it is there and I believe this is actually the more dominant story of Christianity. It is more hidden because it is not flashy or seeking attention. . . . I have seen it in the small parish of St. Thomas, Kagiso, South Africa. When we visited some years ago, the rector at the time, Xolani Dlwati, told us, “We do not do outreach. Everything we do is worship.” This congregation, comprised of predominantly poor families, fed lunch to children in the neighborhood school; bought school books, shoes, and uniforms for children in the community; stood as guardians for families of child-headed households; and made sure that those dying from AIDS had their homes cleaned, were eating healthy food, and knew they were loved. There was no fancy church sanctuary, no glamorous life for the rector, just worship of God that showed, through their caring, what Christianity is all about. . . . (Rohr, 2022)

We are called to activate our God given talents in action that makes Christ present in our environment.

References

Gabuzda, R. (2022, November 28). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/113022.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/4?18 

Meditation on Matthew 4:18-22. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/11/30/546057/ 

Psalms, PSALM 19. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19?8 

Rohr, R. (2022, November 30). The Prophetic Future — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-prophetic-future-2022-11-30/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/10?9 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Will Make You Fishers of People. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=nov30a 

Rejoice in the Peace

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to rejoice in the gifts we experience through our relationship with Christ and the community with whom we share our journey.

On the Journey

The reading from the Prophet Isaiah describes the peaceful Kingdom and the return of the remnant of Israel and Judah.

* [11:1–9 (10)] Here Isaiah looks forward to a new Davidide who will realize the ancient ideals (see Ps 72). The oracle does not seem to have a particular historical person in mind.

* [11:1] Shoot…stump: the imagery suggests the bankruptcy of the monarchy as embodied in the historical kings, along with the need for a new beginning, to spring from the very origin from which David and his dynasty arose. Jesse: David’s father (cf. 1 Sm 16:1–13).

* [11:2–3] The source of the traditional names of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Septuagint and the Vulgate read “piety” for “fear of the Lord” in its first occurrence, thus listing seven gifts.

* [11:6–9] This picture of the idyllic harmony of paradise is a dramatic symbol of universal peace and justice under the rule of the new Davidic king. The peace and harmony even among carnivores and their natural prey in this description suggest a paradisiac aspect of the reign of the new king. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 11, n.d.)

Psalm 72 is a prayer for Guidance and Support for the King.

* [Psalm 72] A royal Psalm in which the Israelite king, as the representative of God, is the instrument of divine justice (Ps 72:1–4, 12–14) and blessing (Ps 72:5–7, 15–17) for the whole world. The king is human, giving only what he has received from God. Hence intercession must be made for him. The extravagant language is typical of oriental royal courts. (Psalms, PSALM 72, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus rejoices in the Praise of the Father and the Privileges of Discipleship.

* [10:21] Revealed them to the childlike: a restatement of the theme announced in Lk 8:10: the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to the disciples. See also note on Mt 11:25–27. (Luke, CHAPTER 10, n.d.)

Cindy Murphy McMahon comments that when life can be so hectic, and the world can be filled with so much strife and ugliness, it’s just nice to remember and experience the peace, the joy, the hope that our faith in Jesus gives us.

I have seen most of the major films and television productions about Christ that have come out in my lifetime. Most of them have captured parts of Jesus’ life and mission with varying degrees of success and/or distinctiveness, and the portrayals of Jesus have been mostly good or OK, some better than others.

But “The Chosen,” to me, hits the right mark in getting across the charisma and leadership abilities Jesus must have had in order to attract followers who were willing to leave all to follow him. For once, the humanity of Jesus is portrayed as real and relatable. He was gifted, he was holy, he was the Son of God, sure, but he also was a man who was clever, friendly, empathetic, and fun to be around. He radiated peacefulness and joy and compassion, and people were attracted to that. (Murphy, 2022)

Don Schwager quotes “The Seven Gifts of the Spirit,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"So, then, the Holy Spirit is the river, and the abundant river, which according to the Hebrews flowed from Jesus in the lands, as we have received it prophesied by the mouth of Isaiah (Isaiah 66:12). This is the great river that flows always and never fails. And not only a river, but also one of copious stream and overflowing greatness, as also David said: 'The stream of the river makes glad the city of God' (Psalm 46:4). For neither is that city, the heavenly Jerusalem, watered by the channel of any earthly river, but that Holy Spirit, proceeding from the fount of life, by a short draught of whom we are satiated, seems to flow more abundantly among those celestial thrones, dominions and powers, angels and archangels, rushing in the full course of the seven virtues of the Spirit. For if a river rising above its banks overflows, how much more does the Spirit, rising above every creature, when he touches the low-lying fields of our minds, as it were, make glad that heavenly nature of the creatures with the larger fertility of his sanctification.

And let it not trouble you that either here it is said 'rivers' (John 7:38) or elsewhere 'seven Spirits,' (Revelation 5:6) for by the sanctification of these seven gifts of the Spirit, as Isaiah said, is signified the fullness of all virtue; the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and godliness, and the Spirit of the fear of God. One, then is the river, but many the channels of the gifts of the Spirit. This river, then, goes forth from the fount of life." (excerpt from ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 1.16) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 11:1-10 comments that we have the benefit of two thousand years’ hindsight, so we can understand that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. He is the ultimate descendant of David who is now ascended to his throne in heaven. From that throne, he rules peaceably over all who come to him. He shows, by how he governs us, that he has the wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, and other gifts that Isaiah’s prophecy describes (11:2-3).

Even more wonderful, we all have received the same Spirit that rested upon Jesus (John 14:16-17). Remember that as you spend time with the Lord this Advent. Fruitful branches can blossom from what looks like dry ground and bare stumps in your life. The Spirit can give you wisdom and understanding during holiday family gatherings. He can give you strength to bear up under loneliness or other difficulties that arise at this time of year. What might look barren and lifeless in you really does hold life because a shoot has sprouted—Jesus, who is Life himself.

“Jesus, thank you for your life and the gifts of the Spirit that you share with me.” (Meditation on Isaiah 11:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler shares the evolution of the thinking of Isaiah about kings of Israel in his time and the true Messiah with the seven “perfect” gifts of the Spirit. We have destroyed some of our bonds with Nature that Isaiah sees being restored by the Messiah who is accepted by the anawim and too often ignored by the rich and self satisfied. Friar Jude reminds us of the importance of a childlike disposition to listen and apply the Word to our lives.

Barbara Holmes finds hope in the innovative, Spirit-empowered resilience of the Black church in the United States. She reflects that the contemplative movement—which is now finding roots in BIPOC [1] congregations and African-American traditional denominations—is growing, and she is watching more and more people turn away from an entertainment-focused worship style and leaning more toward a growth that is internal rather than external. In Holmes’s experience, leadership and ministry didn’t come from official ordination, but from the movement of the Holy Spirit among the people.

You always knew who had the gifts, ’cause they couldn’t fake it. If in their presence folks got healed, that was a healer. If they could walk up to you and tell you what your life had been and what was going to happen tomorrow, that was a discerner. And so there are all these gifted people around but they didn’t have any power within church structures, which made people like me realize that the real power was not in the structure of the church, but in the living church. The gifted prophets in our midst. (Holmes, 2022)

The perfect gifts of the Spirit are visible to us in the people in our lives who are part of God’s plan for fullness of life.

References

Holmes, B. (2022, November 29). The Living Church — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-living-church-2022-11-29/ 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 11. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/11?1 

Luke, CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?21 

Meditation on Isaiah 11:1-10. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/11/29/545623/ 

Murphy, C. (2022, November 28). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112922.html 

Psalms, PSALM 72. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/72?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Blessed Are the Eyes Which See What You See! Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=nov29