Growth and Care

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on the experiences and events in our lives that were the seed of our growth in faith, hope, and charity.

Growth and Care

The reading from the Book of Exodus describes Moses' reaction to the Golden Calf created by the Israelites while he was receiving the Ten Commandments from God.

Psalm 106 is a Confession of Israel’s Sins.

The Gospel of Matthew presents the Parable of the Mustard Seed, of the Yeast and Jesus' use of Parables.

* [13:31–33] See Mk 4:30–32; Lk 13:18–21. The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast illustrate the same point: the amazing contrast between the small beginnings of the kingdom and its marvelous expansion. (Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard comments that today, the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, is significant for all Jesuits – brothers and priests who belong to the Society of Jesus. Founded by Ignatius, the order was recognized by Rome in 1540. As in today’s gospel reading, God planted a small seed in Ignatius’s heart. Almost 5 centuries later, that seed has blossomed into a “tree” of solace for many. Jesuits, men who live, work, play and pray with us “ordinary” folk. They too “ordinary” men who have dedicated their lives to God, being in service to people of all races, creeds and cultures is their order’s vocation. Men, women, old and young have been attracted to their charism of “Cura Personalis”, care for the whole person.  The Jesuits are committed to providing safe haven for all.

“I will open my mouth in parables”… Throughout the gospels we hear Jesus speaking to ordinary folk in parables.  Stories that attract the attention of his followers and on-lookers.  Jesus’s parables are about ordinary events in ordinary lives.  Listeners can identify with these stories which contain a lesson, teaching, and offer new insight into their personal lives and relationships with God. The parables have to with planting, harvesting, hospitality and meals. They have to do with conflict, death, illness, friendship and family. With all things ordinary and all types of relationships- person to person, person to nature, God to nature, God to mankind.  The Spirit dwelling within all things ordinary. (Howard, 2023)

Don Schwager presents a meditation on “What the Kingdom of Heaven Is Like.”

The Word Among Us Meditation on Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34 comments that as much as we might condemn the Israelites for their lack of faith, we probably do something similar. We, too, might feel our trust in God faltering when we encounter challenges or when we are waiting for him to finally answer our prayers. We, too, might turn to “idols” to fill the void instead of waiting patiently on our God.

Finally, we can ask the Spirit to lead us to repentance and sorrow for any ways we have already fallen into sin. Through the gift of repentance, we can experience the Spirit’s power to redeem us and heal us in ways we could never accomplish on our own.

Brothers and sisters, our God is a God of mercy. Just as he did for the Israelites, he can lead us along the path of forgiveness and redemption whenever we call to him.

“Come, Holy Spirit, and set me free from any idol I may be worshipping instead of you.” (Meditation on Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses some of the possible motives of the Israelites worship of the Golden Calf. CS Lewis warned that living only one virtue risks that virtue becoming a vice. Friar Jude reminds us of the “butterfly effect” of Jesus teaching in parables.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, explains how contemplation heals us from the judgments and thoughts that so often lead to violence against ourselves and others. 

We are prone to beliefs and actions that support our own plan for growth and success even as we ignore the prompting of the Spirit in the Word of God to follow the Way of Jesus.

References

Howard, J. B. (2023, July 31). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 31, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/073123.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 31, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13? 

Meditation on Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 31, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/07/31/746382/ 

Wisdom and Work for Good

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the help and Wisdom of the Spirit as we aspire to work for good.

Work for Good

In the reading from the First Book of Kings, Solomon seeks a wise and discerning mind.

Psalm 119 praises the Glories of God’s Law.

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans expresses God’s Indomitable Love in Christ in declaration that all things work together for good.

* [8:28–30] These verses outline the Christian vocation as it was designed by God: to be conformed to the image of his Son, who is to be the firstborn among many brothers (Rom 8:29). God’s redemptive action on behalf of the believers has been in process before the beginning of the world. Those whom God chooses are those he foreknew (Rom 8:29) or elected. Those who are called (Rom 8:30) are predestined or predetermined. These expressions do not mean that God is arbitrary. Rather, Paul uses them to emphasize the thought and care that God has taken for the Christian’s salvation.

* [8:28] We know that all things work for good for those who love God: a few ancient authorities have God as the subject of the verb, and some translators render: “We know that God makes everything work for good for those who love God….”

* [8:29] Image: while man and woman were originally created in God’s image (Gn 1:26–27), it is through baptism into Christ, the image of God (2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15), that we are renewed according to the image of the Creator (Col 3:10). (Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents three Parables about treasures new and old.

Candice Tucci, OSF, reminds us that with faith in the Word of God, we know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

I have had a rich life of listening to the Spirit and moving from ministry to ministry, as an itinerant Franciscan while seeking the treasure that I would give everything to hold. I did find a treasure in a field. Rather symbolic. It was an eagle feather! I still have this feather for 50+ years now. Have you ever found something that is symbolic of your love and life? Perhaps a ring, a pearl, or a simple shell washed up on shore?

The treasure, the Love that one holds, is one we are to let go of and give only to have it returned a hundred fold! The whole field, a string of pearls, a beach filled with gifts from the sea are given in return. (Tucci, 2023)

 

Don Schwager presents a reflection entitled  “The Surpassing Treasure of God's Kingdom."

The Word Among Us Meditation is on Matthew 13:44-52.

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts for today. The book of Kings has Solomon at a shrine asking for wisdom to lead people in the way that God intends. Wisdom is knowing God’s will and things about the earth. Romans 8:28 declares the Providence of God. Predestined means we were created for a destiny to be with God forever. We have an invitation but God cannot force us to accept. We are offered this relationship.In  Matthew, the phrase `Kingdom of Heaven” is used to replace “Kingdom Of God'' Give everything to live in life with Law and Love of God The judgment at the end depends on our choices. Tradition is good and His message should also be lived because God is beyond our understanding. Be surprised everyday and open to the new.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, teaches that our ability to choose nonviolence is inextricably tied to our own inner healing.

I think that was the great disappointment with political activism and even many of the nonviolent movements of the 1960s and 70s in the U.S. It was not really transformation. It wasn’t really coming from what we would call—to use a very old-fashioned, religious word—holiness. Such action was often not coming from holiness, but simply the intellect and will, which are not the transformed self.  

What we’re seeking is pure or clear action. When we find inside ourselves the positive place of communion and holiness, there’s nothing to react to. Such action can be very firm, because it comes from that place where we know what’s real, what’s good, what’s true, and what’s beautiful. The giveaway is that the energy at that point is entirely positive. That’s when we know it’s prayer energy and that is what I think it means to be a person of true nonviolence. (Rohr, n.d.)

We are invited by God to a destiny to live fully in relationship with God in gratitude for the gifts of the Spirit that are activated in our surrender to the Will of God.

References

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/nonviolence-begins-within-2023-07-30/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?28 

Tucci, C. (2023, July 29). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/073023.html 

Lord and Friend

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the response of Moses to the theophany at Sinai and the relationship between Jesus and His close friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Friends and Family Place

Cindy Murphy McMahon comments on the two options for the memorial of sibling-saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, who were three of Jesus’ closest friends, outside of his immediate apostles.

I take great comfort in their relationship because I think this is what Jesus wants from us. It is though he is saying to us as he says to them: Draw near. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Express your frustrations to me. You can say anything to me and I will understand. You are loved. First and foremost, let’s be friends. (Murphy, n.d.)

Don Schwager presents a reflection entitled  “Martha Said to Jesus, "I Know He Will Rise Again

Don Schwager adds a commentary “You Are Anxious - One Thing Is Needful”

The Word Among Us Meditation is on John 11:19-27.

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts for today.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, presents the  Weekly Summary of “Just This”.

The Spirit nudges us, on our journey, to respond with wonder and awe as Covenant people and to celebrate the intimacy with Jesus that He offers in the example of His relationship with His close friends.

References

Murphy, C. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 29, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/072923.html 

Law and Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today connect us to the gift of the Ten Commandments and challenge us to live fully with our intellect, in our suffering, and in sharing our possessions as followers of the Way.

Ancient Law

The reading from the Book of Exodus presents The Ten Commandments.

* [20:1–17] The precise numbering and division of these precepts into “ten commandments” is somewhat uncertain. Traditionally among Catholics and Lutherans vv. 1–6 are considered as only one commandment, and v. 17 as two. The Anglican, Greek Orthodox, and Reformed churches count vv. 1–6 as two, and v. 17 as one. Cf. Dt 5:6–21. The traditional designation as “ten” is not found here but in 34:28 (and also Dt 4:13 and 10:4), where these precepts are alluded to literally as “the ten words.” That they were originally written on two tablets appears in Ex 32:15–16; 34:28–29; Dt 4:13; 10:2–4.

The present form of the commands is a product of a long development, as is clear from the fact that the individual precepts vary considerably in length and from the slightly different formulation of Dt 5:6–21 (see especially vv. 12–15 and 21). Indeed they represent a mature formulation of a traditional morality. Why this specific selection of commands should be set apart is not entirely clear. None of them is unique in the Old Testament and all of the laws which follow are also from God and equally binding on the Israelites. Even so, this collection represents a privileged expression of God’s moral demands on Israel and is here set apart from the others as a direct, unmediated communication of God to the Israelites and the basis of the covenant being concluded on Sinai. (Exodus, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, 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 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, the Parable of the Sower is explained.

* [13:18–23] See Mk 4:14–20; Lk 8:11–15. In this explanation of the parable the emphasis is on the various types of soil on which the seed falls, i.e., on the dispositions with which the preaching of Jesus is received. The second and third types particularly are explained in such a way as to support the view held by many scholars that the explanation derives not from Jesus but from early Christian reflection upon apostasy from the faith that was the consequence of persecution and worldliness, respectively. Others, however, hold that the explanation may come basically from Jesus even though it was developed in the light of later Christian experience. The four types of persons envisaged are (1) those who never accept the word of the kingdom (Mt 13:19); (2) those who believe for a while but fall away because of persecution (Mt 13:20–21); (3) those who believe, but in whom the word is choked by worldly anxiety and the seduction of riches (Mt 13:22); (4) those who respond to the word and produce fruit abundantly (Mt 13:23). (Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Thomas Quinn's reflection for today centered on discernment of God’s will moving in him as he considered each commandment. His contemplation took the form of a question for each of the first three commandments: do I believe wholeheartedly in the one Almighty God; do I call on God without reverence and purpose; do I keep the sabbath a special and holy day?

Jesus’ words in the gospel for this 16th week in ordinary time are simple and familiar. Plant your seeds of faith in rich soil. Care for your faith as you would nurture a seed; the reward will be 100-fold. God cares for us and wants us to thrive. When I consider this parable, I feel that many of us hear and understand, and do want to flourish. It seems, however, that there are more thorns, weeds, and lures of riches than ever. The number of diversions is endless. I find myself praying today for plenty of rich soil in which I can find shelter, security, and the ability to absorb and share the gifts that God has provided. (Quinn, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “God's word is like good seed sown in the heart,” by Jerome (347-420 AD).

"'And the one sown upon good ground is he who hears the word, understands it and bears fruit.' Even as on bad ground there were three diverse situations (by the path, upon rocky ground and among thorns), so too on good ground the diversity is of three types: fruit of one hundredfold, sixtyfold and thirtyfold. Both in one and the other there is a change that takes place in the will, not in the nature itself. In both the unbelievers and believers it is the heart that receives the seed. 'The wicked one comes,' he says, 'and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.' In the second and third cases, he says, 'That is he who hears the word.' In the explanation of the good ground, he is the one who hears the word. First we must listen, then understand; after understanding, we must bear the fruits of good teaching and yield fruit either one hundredfold, sixtyfold or thirtyfold." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.13.23) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Exodus 20:1-17 comments that these commandments are more than three thousand years old, but their purpose hasn’t changed. God has done so much for us in Christ: he has forgiven us, redeemed us, and filled us with his Spirit. Now, obeying his commands is our way of responding to the mercy and love he has poured out on us. It’s our way of making sure we stay close to him and live in a way that reveals his love to the people around us.

We live in a world darkened by sin and confused about what is good and true. But God’s commands still set us apart. As we respond to his mercy with obedience, we can shine to the world around us. We can reveal the goodness of the God who has given us his law, and our lives can become open invitations for others to come and meet that God in their own hearts.

“Lord, thank you for giving me your commands, which can bring me the fullness of life!” (Meditation on Exodus 20:1-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler considers the vertical and horizontal relationships emphasized by the Ten Commandments as presented in Exodus and Deuteronomy. The different numbering in Protestant, Jewish, and Catholic presentations is noted. Friar Jude reminds us of the connection of the Parable to loving God with our intellect, during persecution, and with all our possessions.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, affirms each moment as an opportunity to see things as they are and receive the gift of divine presence. Spiritual teacher Paula D’Arcy spent an extended time in contemplative observation of nature.

Maybe when I cling to people, I dim them, too. I separate them from their own inner roots. I help them to believe that they are dependent on me, or that the hunger in their bellies is a cry for me. I convince us both. And then we never hear the cry of hunger which is for God. Until this moment I have not understood that. I am hungry for God…. Now as I am eating and drinking (taking in) God’s creation, I feel satisfied. I am letting myself live in its beauty without needing to own it or control it or secure it for tomorrow. I am seeing it as it is … really seeing it. And that is enough, to really see. I am present to this moment. That brings joy. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate how the relationship with God, from ancient times, has provided guidance in living our best lives for the good of the community with which we journey.

References

Exodus, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/20?1 

Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13? 

Meditation on Exodus 20:1-17. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/07/28/744505/ 

Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19?8 

Quinn, T. (2023, July 28). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/072823.html 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Whoever Hears the Word and Understands It. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jul28