Loss and Greatness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our faith and trust in God and demonstrate our love in action to help those considered the least by our society.

Time to Recognize and Reconcile

The reading from the Book of Job presents an attack on Job’s Character as he loses property and children.

* [1:1] Uz: somewhere in Edom or Arabia; see Lam 4:21. Job: the name probably means “Where is the (divine) father?” In Hebrew it is almost a homonym with the word for “enemy” (see note on 13:24; cf. 33:10).

* [1:3] The East: that is, east of Palestine.

* [1:5] Cursed: lit., “blessed.” So also in v. 11; 2:5, 9.

* [1:6] Sons of God: members of the divine council; see Gn 6:1–4; Dt 32:8; Ps 82:1. The satan: lit., “adversary” (as in 1 Kgs 11:14). Here a member of the heavenly court, “the accuser” (Zec 3:1). In later biblical traditions this character will be developed as the devil (Gk. diabolos, “adversary”).

* [1:15] Sabeans: from southern Arabia.

* [1:17] Chaldeans: from southern Mesopotamia; in the mid-first millennium B.C., synonymous with “Babylonians.”

* [1:21] Go back there: to the earth; cf. Gn 2:7; see note on Sir 40:1. (Job, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

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 (Psalms, PSALM 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

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In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus defines true greatness and acknowledges another exorcist.

* [9:46–50] These two incidents focus on attitudes that are opposed to Christian discipleship: rivalry and intolerance of outsiders. (Luke, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Sr. Candice Tucci, O.S.F. urges that we must stay on course, be close to the WORD of God and be an inclusive Church for and within society being witnesses to the Gospel Way of Life.

Like Children not yet taught bigotry or biases, Jesus teaches us to be a welcoming world, without judgement of race, creed, culture, or identity. Without conviction of rich or poor, immigrant or established citizen. Imagine Jesus with a child from every race and color together on his lap!

“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives  the one who sent me.  For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

In the words of the Prophet Micha: May we, act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God. Amen (Tucci, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus, the Physician of souls, amputates vainglory,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"The passion and lust of pride attacked some of the holy apostles. The mere argument about who of them was the greatest is the mark of an ambitious person, eager to stand at the head of the rest. Christ, who did not sleep, knows how to deliver. He saw this thought in the disciple's mind, springing up, in the words of Scripture (Hebrews 12:15), like some bitter plant. He saw the weeds, the work of the wicked sower. Before it grew up tall, struck its root down deep, grew strong, and took possession of the heart, he tears up the evil by the very root...

"In what way does the Physician of souls amputate pride’s passion? How does he deliver the beloved disciple from being the prey of the enemy and from a thing hateful to God and man? "He took a child," it says, "and set it by him." He made the event a means of benefiting both the holy apostles themselves and us their successors. This illness, as a rule, preys upon all those who are in any respect superior to other people".(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 54.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Job 1:6-22 comments that God did allow the testing Job endured. But beyond merely allowing it, he used it to bring Job to a deeper relationship with him and greater wisdom in his life. We might find the same thing when we face suffering or setbacks. Difficulty does not “prove” God has withdrawn his love from us. Rather, it invites us to enter more deeply into a relationship with the One who sees and knows and loves us.

The Book of Job is a story that asks questions about unanswerable things. But the truth here is that God sees, knows, and loves us. He uses everything we experience—even our suffering—to deepen our relationship with him. And that relationship offers us all the healing and guidance we need.

“Lord, help me trust in your goodness and love!” (Meditation on Job 1:6-22, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes Job was a righteous man who offered sacrifice and did everything well. Satan in the role of investigator, prosecutor, or accuser questions what wealth and health Job is getting from his lifestyle. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus determines importance in service of those who cannot repay us and urges us to accept those that are not against us are for us.

The reflection by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, was not available at publication time.

When we have the opportunity to help and serve a child or someone who cannot repay our efforts we practice the Way of Jesus that is love for all God’s children.

References

Job, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/job/1?6 

Luke, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/9? 

Meditation on Job 1:6-22. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/09/30/1086998/ 

Psalms, PSALM 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/17?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Perceived the Thought of Their Hearts. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=sep30 

Tucci, C. (2024, September 30). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/093024.html 

Prophets and Allies

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, invite us to celebrate the acts of care and love that we witness on our journey as extensions of the Spirit of Love with which we are created by God.

Love and the Poor

The reading from the Book of Numbers proclaims the Spirit on the Elders that makes us all Prophets.

* [11:25] They prophesied: in the sense, not of foretelling the future, but of speaking in enraptured enthusiasm. Such manifestations are mentioned in the early days of Hebrew prophecy (1 Sm 10:10–12; 19:20–21; Jl 3:1) and in the first years of the Church (Acts 2:6–11, 17; 19:6; 1 Cor 12–14). (Numbers, CHAPTER 11 | 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.)

The reading from the Book of James is a warning to Rich Oppressors.

* [5:1–6] Continuing with the theme of the transitory character of life on earth, the author points out the impending ruin of the godless. He denounces the unjust rich, whose victims cry to heaven for judgment on their exploiters (Jas 5:4–6). The decay and corrosion of the costly garments and metals, which symbolize wealth, prove them worthless and portend the destruction of their possessors (Jas 5:2–3).

* [5:6] The author does not have in mind any specific crime in his readers’ communities but rather echoes the Old Testament theme of the harsh oppression of the righteous poor (see Prv 1:11; Wis 2:10, 12, 20). (James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus addresses another Exorcist and temptations to Sin.

* [9:38–41] Jesus warns against jealousy and intolerance toward others, such as exorcists who do not follow us. The saying in Mk 9:40 is a broad principle of the divine tolerance. Even the smallest courtesies shown to those who teach in Jesus’ name do not go unrewarded.

* [9:43, 45, 47] Gehenna: see note on Mt 5:22.

* [9:44, 46] These verses, lacking in some important early manuscripts, are here omitted as scribal additions. They simply repeat Mk 9:48 itself a modified citation of Is 66:24. (Mark, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that God's grace and God's gifts don't always come in the pathways we always expect. It is an unfortunately natural, jealous reaction in us that resents that someone isn't a follower of Jesus "the right way." And, we miss the grace, the presence of the Lord working in that person, through that person, because it isn't happening the "approved way."

Finally, the easiest way to begin that journey is for us to recognize the problem. Why am I so judgmental? Why do I seek to have more, to look like I'm better than others? Why does justice or care for those on the margins come with difficulty? What causes me to sin? What underlying unfreedom is in me? From there, we can ask for forgiveness and healing. And, asking for healing can lead us to identify what instincts, practices and habits I can change. Change is difficult. We only change something which has become habitual when we arrive at a deeper desire for something else. Otherwise, it is so easy to deny we have a problem - even when we know we aren't happy. When we experience God's love and mercy filling our heart with gratitude, then we can want to be closer to the one who loves us. Being closer to Jesus leads us to want to be more like Jesus. Gradually, his love heals the wounds and the brokenness and helps make our heart like his.

Dear Lord, fill my heart with your love. And, then, open my heart to love the way you love. Open my heart to those who are different from me, difficult for me, to those who have hurt me. Let me see, or at least believe, that your own Spirit is with them, in them, somehow. Let me believe that there is a path to you from every human heart - even the most sinful, those who are most insecure and difficult. Transform me from a person who collects things for my security or status and help me become an instrument of your justice, a real advocate for those in need. I ask this, trusting in your Spirit's work within me. Amen. (Alexander, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Encouraging good works done in Christ,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We ought not be disturbed because some who do not belong or do not yet belong to this temple, that is, among whom God does not or does not yet dwell, perform some works of power, as happened to the one who cast out devils in the name of Christ (Mark 9:38, Luke 9:49). Although he was not a follower of Christ, Christ ordered that he be allowed to continue because it gave a valuable testimony of his name to many... The centurion Cornelius also saw the angel that was sent to him to say that his prayers had been heard and his alms accepted (Acts 10:3-4), even before he was incorporated into this temple by regeneration." (excerpt from LETTER 187, TO DARDANUS 36) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Numbers 11:25-29 comments that Medad and Eldad proclaimed God’s word right in the midst of the people. What does this teach us? First, it shows that God is able to bless us wherever we are. He’s not limited by whether we’re in the “right place at the right time.” Second, he’s not limited to working only through certain people. Medad and Eldad had willing hearts open to God’s grace, and that helped them receive his Spirit. Joshua was scandalized and wanted to silence them, but Moses understood: the Lord’s power and his desire to bless his people were far beyond what they had expected. He rejoiced—“Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!” (Numbers 11:29).

You have not missed your chance to receive God’s blessing! You’re never beyond his reach, and it’s never too late. Today you can seek the Lord. He wants to shower his gifts and heavenly blessings upon you—no matter where you are!

“Lord, I trust in your goodness. (Meditation on Numbers 11:25-29, n.d.)

Peter Edmonds SJ, a tutor in biblical studies at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, looks closely at Mark’s gospel and suggests what encouragement it might have given to early Christians.

There is also uncertainty about the purpose and circumstances of this gospel. But it may well have had its origin in Rome in the time of Nero in his later years (AD 68). We know from the Roman historian Tacitus that the Christians there were under grave threat from the Roman authorities who were blaming them for a great fire that had recently devastated the city. Many, unjustly accused, paid with their lives. Others denied that they were Christians and apostasised. It was dangerous to be a Christian in those days. Mark was writing for such people. The Jesus whom they professed to follow was one who had willingly walked to Jerusalem, the city of his enemies where he knew he faced death. His disciples had struggled in many ways unsuccessfully to remain faithful to their calling but Jesus, despite their failings, summoned them to meet him again in Galilee. Thanks to Mark, memories and traditions were repeated of ‘little people’ who had said or done something that in turn instructed and encouraged the ‘little people’ of that small group of Christians in Rome. What Mark wrote has a call on our attention today. As we read it or listen to his words, we can join ourselves in spirit and imagination with that group of poor Christians in Rome centuries ago (Edmonds, 2010)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the efforts to stop two elders of Israel from teaching about God in the camp. The Book of James continues to condemn those who have not shared their riches with the poor. Friar Jude reminds us of the role of exaggeration in Jewish teaching as Jesus emphasizes that we must choose the things of God with care for the example we give to others.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes the “eagerness to love” that characterized the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi (1182–1226).

For Francis, the medium had to be the same as the message—or the message itself would get quickly lost. Only love can search for, give, or receive love. It’s almost that simple. Francis created a very different classroom for his followers, sort of an underground seminary, if you will, where we Franciscans had to live faith before we talked about faith. Our Rule was initially just “tips for the road,” an itinerant and mendicant lifestyle, both an urban plunge and total solitude in nature, where love could be tasted and touched, much more than a formal seminary classroom where it might just be defined. 

In the Franciscan reading of the gospel, there’s no reason to be religious or to love God except in recognizing “The love of [God] who loved us greatly is greatly to be loved,” as Francis said. [2] Religion is not about heroic willpower or winning or being right. This has been a counterfeit for holiness in much of Christian history. True growth in holiness is a growth in willingness to be loved and to love. (Rohr, n.d.) 

 

We are invited by the Spirit to be open to the acts of love and faith that we encounter in our experiences of truth, compassion, and charity on our journey.

References

Alexander, A. (2024, September 29). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/092924.html 

Edmonds, P. (2010, April 22). Saint Mark the Pastor. Thinking Faith. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20100422_1.htm 

James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/5?1 

Mark, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/9?38 

Meditation on Numbers 11:25-29. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/09/29/1086254/ 

Numbers, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/11?25 

Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Opening to Love. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/opening-to-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=sep29