Vigilance and Action

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the path we are travelling in our life journey to reaffirm our decision to be with Jesus.

Choosing the path

 

The reading from the Prophet Joel is a call to repentance and prayer.

* [1:15] As in Am 5:18–20, the day of the Lord in Joel’s first speech brings punishment, not victory, for Judah. In his second speech, this event means victory for those faithful to the Lord and death for the nations who are the Lord’s enemies. Almighty: Hebrew shaddai. There is wordplay between shod (“destruction”) and shaddai.1

 

Psalm 9 praises God’s Power and Justice.

* [Psalms 9–10] Ps 9 and Ps 10 in the Hebrew text have been transmitted as separate poems but they actually form a single acrostic poem and are so transmitted in the Greek and Latin tradition. Each verse of the two Psalms begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (though several letters have no corresponding stanza). The Psalm states loosely connected themes: the rescue of the helpless poor from their enemies, God’s worldwide judgment and rule over the nations, the psalmist’s own concern for rescue (Ps 9:14–15).2 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus deals with the alliance with Beelzebul and the return of the Unclean Spirit.

* [11:19] Your own people: the Greek reads “your sons.” Other Jewish exorcists (see Acts 19:13–20), who recognize that the power of God is active in the exorcism, would themselves convict the accusers of Jesus. See also note on Mt 12:27.3 

Tom Purcell comments that the common thread throughout these obsessions and demons is that God has provided us with a good thing that we somehow corrupt through our unnatural attachment.  Career success is a good thing, but in perspective.  So too with good health, alcohol, sex, pharmaceuticals, and so on.  All are neutral, and are good if they lead us closer to God, and bad (thus the demonization) if they don’t.  We can put them to good use and enjoy them within moderation.  Or we can overuse them, and thus become possessed by, dependent on, or addicted to them.  Even people can present themselves as disordered if they pull us away from God.

Part of the reflective process in the Spiritual Exercises is building the awareness to objectively look at our actions regarding these goods that God has given us, to discern if we are using them in the manner God intended (to bring us to a closer relationship with God, and to deepen our love for God and our neighbor).  The more we are aware, the more we can ask for God’s help in resisting using these gifts inconsistently with God’s purpose for us in providing the gifts.4

 

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus has conquered Satan,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"[Jesus] has conquered the ruler of this world. Having, so to speak, hamstrung him and stripped him of the power he possessed, he has given him over for a prey to his followers. He says, 'The strong man, being armed, guards his house; all his goods are in peace. But when one who is stronger than he shall come on him and overcome him, he takes away all his armor wherein he trusted and divides his spoil.' This is a plain demonstration and type of the matter depicted after the manner of human affairs... Before the coming of the Savior, he was in great power, driving and shutting up in his own stall flocks that were not his own but belonging to God over all. He was like some voracious and most insolent robber. Since the Word of God who is above all, the Giver of all might and Lord of powers attacked him, having become man, all his goods have been plundered and his spoil divided. Those of old who had been ensnared by him into ungodliness and error have been called by the holy apostles to the acknowledgment of the truth and been brought near to God the Father by faith in his Son."(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 81)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 11:15-26 comments that when, in the Gospel, Jesus describes Satan as a strong man guarding a palace, we might envision Pharaoh or Belshazzar sitting on their thrones oppressing God’s people. But we might also recall that like those human overlords, Satan has been overthrown by “one stronger than he” (Luke 11:22). That’s Jesus! And Jesus did it with nothing more than the “finger of God” (11:20). It was nowhere near an even match! Jesus is simply that much more powerful than the evil one.

During his life, Jesus entered into conflict with Satan and evil spirits on many occasions. Just think of all the demons he cast out or recall his temptation in the desert. But the greatest conflict—and the most resounding victory—took place on the cross. There, Jesus overthrew Satan’s reign and made a “public spectacle” of his enemies (Colossians 2:15). And he did it, not by entering into hand-to-hand combat, but by the humblest, most powerful act of self-giving love the world has ever seen.6 

Father James Martin SJ, in an interview on CBC Tapestry, explains his sense of Satan as the personification of evil and encourages LGBTQ Catholics that "you are in a church that is still learning how to love you.”

[J.R.R.] Tolkien was a believer, and I think one of the things that is being played out there is this battle between good and evil. And we can look around and just see signs of that in the world. And I'm not labelling anyone good or evil, but we can see signs of selfishness and greed and hatred and anger in the world — even if you don't believe in it as a personified force like Satan. And then we can look at ourselves and we can see the forces of selfishness and selflessness. Ignatius uses the image of a battle and he says: "You have to pick what standard you want to choose." The standard of Christ, or God, or the standard of Satan.7 

Friar Jude Winkler notes that Joel is a very apocalyptic book. Beelzebul in Hebrew is connected to “Lord of the Flies”. Friar Jude reminds us that the choice for Christ has to be complete. We cannot journey with two passports.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that Scholar Edward Sellner has traced the influence of early Celtic spirituality to places throughout the world, including St. Francis of Assisi’s area of Italy. This sense of kinship [with animals] was an intrinsic aspect of Celtic Christian spirituality that affected not only those living in Celtic lands, but also significantly influenced later saints who were raised in geographical areas on the Continent, ministered to by Irish missionaries. The numerous animal stories associated with Francis and his attitude of compassion toward animals and birds as “sisters” and “brothers” reflect the spirituality of the Celtic saints.

As the Irish scholar John Scotus Eriugena (c. 810–877 CE) states, “Every visible and invisible creature can be called a theophany, that is, an appearance of the divine”. . . . Celts, both ancient and Christian, experienced an outright mystical connection with nature. This sense of spiritual kinship is reflected in their profound respect for the earth and the natural rhythms of body and soul, precisely because they did not see themselves as “lords” over creation, but spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually connected with it. . . .8 

Our path on our journey with Christ passes through difficult areas where we need to act strongly as Jesus disciples to avoid misdirection and separation from fullness of life.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Joel, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/joel/1
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 9 | USCCB. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/9
3	(n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/11
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/100821.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=oct8
6	(2021, October 8). Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/10/08/215801/
7	(2021, September 17). 'You are in a church that is still learning how to love you,' Jesuit .... Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/you-are-in-a-church-that-is-still-learning-how-to-love-you-jesuit-priest-tells-lgbtq-catholics-1.6180142
8	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: 2021 - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://cac.org/a-loving-partnership-2021-10-08/

Justice righteousness thanksgiving humility

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate messages from the Hebrew Testament and a modern day rabbi that open a light on religion rather than theology.

Not giving up on God

The reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah declares an accusation against the people and shares the way to appeal to God.

 * [1:10–17] A powerful indictment of the religious hypocrisy of rulers and others who neglect just judgment and oppress the weaker members, yet believe they can please God with sacrifices and other external forms of worship. The long list of observances suggests the Lord’s tedium with such attempts. Sodom…Gomorrah: the names are picked up from v. 9, but now to emphasize their wickedness rather than the good fortune of escaping total destruction.Psalms 501

Psalm 50 rebukes the hypocritical worshiper and concludes with a threat and a promise.

 * [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20).2

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus denounces the scrupulosity of Scribes and Pharisees.

 * [23:8–12] These verses, warning against the use of various titles, are addressed to the disciples alone. While only the title ‘Rabbi’ has been said to be used in addressing the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:7), the implication is that Father and ‘Master’ also were. The prohibition of these titles to the disciples suggests that their use was present in Matthew’s church. The Matthean Jesus forbids not only the titles but the spirit of superiority and pride that is shown by their acceptance. Whoever exalts…will be exalted: cf. Lk 14:11.3

Jeanna Schuler asks where is my heart? If we follow our heart it points to what we love. Am I buoyed up by titles, honors, where I sit at the table? Am I quick to judge and slow to listen? Do I burden others and enjoy whatever slack my privilege buys? Do I sit high above the messy fields where struggles ensue? It’s Lent. It’s time to “learn to do good.” The Pharisee in me wants to look sharp and say the right things. But don’t listen to lofty words. Look at what we do. The child sees what we do and ignores the rest. Let’s learn from small creatures about what matters.

 How can a codger set in her ways “make a new heart and a new spirit”?  Of course we know what’s good. But how to change course this far downstream?  It isn’t as hard as we fear. Heroic sacrifice isn’t demanded, just a willing heart.  If we open up space this Lent, God finds us. If we sing praise in croaky tones, God hears us.  In encountering those beaten down daily, we learn to love anew. There You are, still in the ditch, not on that splendid throne.
It’s Lent.  God, help us to set things right.  Show us Your face.4

Rabbi Harold Kushner comments ''People want less theology and more religion,'' Rabbi Kushner says, paraphrasing the Jewish theologian Martin Buber. ''They want an encounter with the living God that will change their lives.''

 ''There were so many people who were really ticked off at religion because when they needed it, it was not there for them,'' Rabbi Kushner says. ''What I came along and said was, 'If you want to get angry at God, get angry, but when you get over your anger, don't let it be a barrier to you.' '' In other words, anger need not mean separation from God or faith.5

Mary Hynes introduces an episode of Tapestry@25 that features Rabbi Harold Kushner, who is one of CBC Tapestry’s all-time most requested guests. In this interview, Rabbi Kushner cites sources that connect some of the challenges of an encounter with the Living God to theology of the Reformation.

 Kushner has been on the programme quite a few times: addressing everything from the spiritual fallout of the Sept. 11 attacks, to feeling afraid without giving in to the fear, to his most famous topic: why do bad things happen to good people?6

Sean Salai, S.J. asks Why does the Reformation matter today? In his book, Heroes and Heretics of the Reformation, Mr. Philip Campbell’s, a lay Catholic history teacher, author and editor of The Complete Works of St. Cyprian, looks to its main characters to understand.

 We also have to mention, though, that the title Heroes and Heretics refers really to two poles—Catholic saints as the heroes, and the Protestants as the heretics. But a great many individuals were somewhere in between. I was particularly fascinated by the story of Erasmus, a man who criticized the church ruthlessly and sympathized with reformist ideals, but also was unwilling to break with the Catholic Church. He was castigated by Catholics for pouring fuel on the fire of the Reformers, but was also mocked by the Reformers for being unwilling to join the Protestants. So, while the defining characters of the age were definitely the Catholic saints and Protestant heresiarchs, it is good to remember that people can seldom be so easily categorized. A good number of people of the time had mixed sympathies.7

Don Schwager quotes “Who are the proud?” by Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

 "Who are the proud? Those who do not perform penance and confess their sins in order to be healed through humility. Who are the proud? Those who attribute to themselves the few good qualities they seem to possess and endeavor to diminish the mercy of God. Who are the proud? Those who, while attributing to God the good they accomplish, insult others for not performing such works and raise themselves above them."  (Commentary on Psalm 93, 15)8

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 observes that God doesn’t mince any words here. Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, he laments that his chosen people have committed sins that are “like scarlet” (Isaiah 1:18). That’s a pretty strong image! But in addition to calling them out, God is also offering them the opportunity to repent and change. He sounds like a stern but loving father when he says, “Come now, let us set things right” (1:18).

 The Hebrew word for “repentance,” the word Isaiah would have used, is teshuva, or metanoia in Greek. It literally means to turn back or to turn around and go in a different direction. This word—along with Isaiah’s prophecy today—shows us that repentance is not just about recognizing our guilt and confessing it. It also means “setting things right” by taking some kind of action.
In what areas of your life might the Lord be inviting you to turn around? It may help to use an examination of conscience, such as the one inside the front cover of this magazine. As you pray, the Holy Spirit may show you some small stuff—areas in your life you’re tempted to overlook or excuse. Or he may show you something bigger that affects other people and requires significant change.9

Friar Jude Winkler touches on the use of rabbinic exaggeration in Jewish teaching. The unforgivable sin against the Spirit is our decision that our guilt is greater than the mercy of God. Friar Jude reminds us that rabbinic interpretation of the calling God “Father” is more subtle and nuanced than some Christians have embraced.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, notes that some of the Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism, did a very thorough investigation of the nature of the Head Center. That’s one of the reasons I think Thomas Merton was drawn to studying certain things about Buddhist practice. What Eastern traditions all agree on is the true nature of Mind is complete stillness, silence, and spaciousness. Boundless stillness, peace, clarity, forever and ever, amen. So Fr. Richard would say that the Head Center gives us the possibility of sensing, recognizing the Eternal Presence that’s right here in the midst of phenomena.

 There is this process of opening to this stillness, the vast freedom, peace, clarity of the soul, of spirit. . . . You could see your thoughts are happening. [But] what surrounds them and is inside them is this tremendous peace and stillness. And . . . this stillness is not inactive. . . . The stillness . . . brings the sense of knowing, of recognition, of clarity and wisdom. Don [Riso] and I have called it the sense of guidance, where you’re kind of clear it’s not you thinking exactly. It’s like a spontaneous recognition of truth/reality that just comes. You don’t have to plan it. It’s like you just relax and suddenly. . . . Pow. There it is. It’s right in your mind. [1]10

Our understanding of the nature of our relationship with God benefits from our study and contemplation of our salvation history in the 500 years since the Reformation, the millennia since Jesus lived in Palestine, and the many centuries of our relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses.

References

1	(n.d.). Isaiah, chapter 1 - United States Conference. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/1
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 50 - United States Conference. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50
3	(n.d.). Matthew, chapter 23 - United States Conference. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/23:35
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(1996, November 6). Staying With God For Better or Worse - The New York Times. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/06/style/staying-with-god-for-better-or-worse.html
6	(2020, March 6). Tapestry@25: life advice from Rabbi Harold Kushner - CBC.ca. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/tapestry-25-life-advice-from-rabbi-harold-kushner-1.5488838
7	(2017, October 30). Why does the Reformation matter today? Look to its main .... Retrieved March 10, 2020, from https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2017/10/30/why-does-reformation-matter-today-look-its-main-characters-understand
8	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
9	(n.d.). 2nd Week of Lent - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved March 10, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/03/10/
10	(n.d.). The Head Center — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved March 10, 2020, from https://cac.org/the-head-center-2020-03-10/

Radical skepticism and cognitive dissonance

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to respond to skepticism and the needs of the disadvantaged even as we encounter those who are lacking in virtue.

Before the Mysteries of God

The Book of Ecclesiastes has been described as an honest and blunt appraisal of the human condition that is focused today on the futility in seeking change.

* [1:11] Movement in nature and human activity appears to result in change and progress. The author argues that this change and progress are an illusion: “Nothing is new under the sun.”

The Gospel of Luke captures the misunderstanding of Herod of the mission of John the Baptist and Jesus.

* [9:9] And he kept trying to see him: this indication of Herod’s interest in Jesus prepares for Lk 13:31–33 and for Lk 23:8–12 where Herod’s curiosity about Jesus’ power to perform miracles remains unsatisfied.

The Zondervan Academic Blog comments on Ecclesiastes’ purpose and message.

The purpose of Qoheleth was to contend that there is nothing “under the sun” that is capable of giving meaning to life. Even if some level of fulfillment or self-satisfaction were achieved, death is waiting at the end. Frustration and adversity are unavoidable, and answers to the hard questions of life are not forthcoming. On these terms the book confronts the crookedness and uncertainty of life and shows, probably unconsciously, the need for a concept of resurrection to bring harmony out of the discord of reality.

Colleen Chiacchere shares her questions from today’s first reading from Ecclesiastes that invites us to think about how we spend our time and how we spend our lives.  What is the real purpose of our work, our labor? What is the purpose of what we do when the earth and sun and everything just continues on after we’re gone?

Reflecting on a model for us – St Vincent DePaul – today on his feast day, and how he prioritized his time, also invites us to care for others.  He dedicated his life to serving the poor, helped reform the clergy in the French Church and was known for his generosity and charity.
Perhaps there is an invitation for us to be part of the reform in our Church today…a Church that has struggled immensely with sexual abuse scandals of clergy and leaders, particularly recently in the United States.  Perhaps there is an invitation for us to be more generous and charitable today, with the inspiration of St. Vincent de Paul.

On the Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, priest, we reflect on the Collect Prayer from the Catholic Culture Website.

O God, who for the relief of the poor and the formation of the clergy endowed the Priest Saint Vincent de Paul with apostolic virtues, grant, we pray, that, afire with that same spirit, we may love what he loved and put into practice what he taught. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Tapestry host Mary Hynes invites us to meet Mary Elizabeth Williams and Deirdre Pike, two Catholics who have been wrestling with the question of how best to respond to the ongoing sexual abuse crisis in the church.

Williams says she's calling it quits; Pike says she's staying. They spoke to about an agonizing decision facing Catholics around the world: Should I stay, or should I go?

Don Schwager quotes Peter Chrysologus, 400-450 AD, a renowned preacher and bishop of Ravena in the 5th century, on Integrity as a hardship for the morally corrupt.

"John aroused Herod by his moral admonitions, not by any formal accusation. He wanted to correct, not to suppress. Herod, however, preferred to suppress rather than be reconciled. To those who are held captive, the freedom of the one innocent of wrongdoing becomes hateful. Virtue is undesirable to those who are immoral; holiness is abhorrent to those who are impious; chastity is an enemy to those who are impure; integrity is a hardship for those who are corrupt; frugality runs counter to those who are self-indulgent; mercy is intolerable to those who are cruel, as is loving-kindness to those who are pitiless and justice to those who are unjust. The Evangelist indicates this when he says, "John said to him, 'It is not lawful for you to have the wife of your brother Philip.'" This is where John runs into trouble. He who admonishes those who are evil gives offense. He who repudiates wrongdoers runs into trouble. John was saying what was proper of the law, what was proper of justice, what was proper of salvation and what was proper certainly not of hatred but of love. And look at the reward he received from the ungodly for his loving concern!" (excerpt from SERMONS 127.6-7)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 9:7-9 discusses an especially perplexing predicament for Herod.

Of course, none of us are the same as Herod. But like him, we may want to see the Lord but be hampered by blurred vision. Unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, and anxiety—all of these and more can keep us in a fog. But nothing is more capable of holding us back than unrepented sin. John the Baptist brought Herod’s sin to light by criticizing Herod’s marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife. Herod could have repented. He could have found a way out of his immoral union, but he ended up feeling forced to silence John’s voice instead.

Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv, comments on how the author of Ecclesiastes attacks the presumed idea of wisdom in Israel. He mentions Augustine and Aquinas in declaring that God’s ways are mysterious and we need practice a certain humility before the mysteries of God. Today we are too often likely to be distracted by the celebrity of the current saint or religious fad, Friar Jude warns.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, cites Avideh Shashaani who shares insights drawn from her experience and study of Sufism.

Islam believes that creation has a purpose: “O Lord, Thou didst not create this (world) in vain” (Qur’an, 3:191). . . . Everything in the realm of nature and human existence is a sign—a manifestation of God’s divine names and attributes. Just as each entity is a reflection of the divine manifestation, so is the human being. As it is said in the Qur’an, “Wherever you turn, there is the Face of God” (2:115).

An antidote for skepticism is found in the conviction of Saints and scholars that we are privileged to experience deep humility before the mysteries of God.

References


(n.d.). Ecclesiastes chapter 1 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved September 27, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/ecclesiastes/1
(n.d.). v. the journey to jerusalem: luke's travel narrative. Retrieved September 27, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/luke9.htm
(2017, October 21). Who Wrote Ecclesiastes and What Does It Mean? - Zondervan Academic. Retrieved September 27, 2018, from https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/who-wrote-ecclesiastes-and-what-does-it-mean/
(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved September 27, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
(2018, September 26). Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, priest - September 27, 2018 .... Retrieved September 27, 2018, from https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2018-09-27
(2018, September 21). Amid the Catholic Church abuse crisis, 2 women grapple with whether .... Retrieved September 27, 2018, from https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-1.4833237/amid-the-catholic-church-abuse-crisis-2-women-grapple-with-whether-to-stay-or-go-1.4833350
(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 27, 2018, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
(n.d.). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved September 27, 2018, from https://wau.org/meditations/
(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archives - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 27, 2018, from https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/

Unity and habits radiating good