Believing works

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of the change that occurs when our relationship with Jesus aligns our actions with the Will of God to bring all people to fullness of life.

Build a community of Love

In the reading from the Book of Acts, Paul and Barnabas address the Gentiles bringing light to them.

 * [13:46] The refusal to believe frustrates God’s plan for his chosen people; however, no adverse judgment is made here concerning their ultimate destiny. Again, Luke, in the words of Paul, speaks of the priority of Israel in the plan for salvation (see Acts 10:36).1

Psalm 98 invites us to praise the Judge of the World.

 * [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9).2

Jesus Last Supper Discourse in the Gospel of John declares if “in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

 * [14:8] Show us the Father: Philip is pictured asking for a theophany like Ex 24:9–10; 33:18.3

George Butterfield comments that nothing slowed down Paul and Barnabas ... Most of us want to be loved and they were no different but they endured hostility, hatred, and rejection. But because of their endurance, “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit."

 The psalmist says that the right hand of the Lord has won victory for him. He has brought salvation and justice to the nations. My immobilized right hand and arm actually talk to me and say, Learn a lesson from us: you cannot save yourself. Only God’s right hand can do that. But here’s the deal: he has done it. So, sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.
Jesus said, if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. But I only have one hand. Ask anyway. I can’t walk. Ask. I’m not good with words. When are you going to ask? “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”4

Don Schwager quotes “The Father's portrait in the Son,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

 "By means of this image the Lord showed Philip the Father. Yes, he who looks on the Son sees, in portrait, the Father. Notice what kind of portrait is spoken of. It is truth, righteousness, the power of God. It is not silent, for it is the Word. It is not insensible, for it is Wisdom. It is not vain and foolish, for it is power. It is not soulless, for it is the life. It is not dead, for it is the resurrection." (excerpt from ON THE CHRISTIAN FAITH 1.7.50)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 14:7-14 comments that the first thing we should note is that whatever “works” we might do, it’s not as if we did them on our own. Any prayer answered, any hurt forgiven, any conversion sparked—it all happens because Jesus is doing those works in or through us. Jesus came to make us more and more like him, not to turn us into magicians.

 Do you look at the call to evangelize as a chore or an impossible task? If so, take heart. Jesus is promising that you can make a difference. He is in you and he will work through you. Whether you are evangelizing through your example, through your words, or through your prayers of intercession, you are not doing it alone!
“Jesus, I am amazed that you have promised to help me do greater works than you did!”6

Friar Jude Winkler notes that Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the kerygma in the synagogue and after rejection turned to the Gentiles with joy for being able to share in Jesus Passion, Death, and Resurrection. The Gospel of John proclaims our relationship with Jesus already makes us one with the Father. Friar Jude reminds us that anything Jesus obtained from the Father for His mission is also gifted to us to live in God’s love.

StAnthonyCompanions · May 9, 2020

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares one place we might begin to prioritize community is with the spiritual traditions that supported and informed the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In her essay from the book “Revives My Soul Again”, author Diana L. Hayes explores the basis of King’s vision for the “Beloved Community”.

 African spirituality is grounded in the very lives and activities of the African people. They live it, breathe it, walk it, sing it, and dance it. There is no life without religion, the interconnection of all people, all created things, and God: . . . “Relationships among all elements of creation . . . are the essence of African spirituality, because Africans believe that only through harmonious relationships is cosmic existence possible and its vital force preserved.”. . . [1]
An extension of this understanding can be found in that of Ubuntu (other names are used by different African peoples). . . . “A person with Ubuntu (full humanity) is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good.”. . . [2] What Ubuntu underscores is “‘the vital importance of mutual recognition and respect complemented by mutual care and sharing in the construction of human relations.’ [3] Ubuntu is manifested in self-giving and readiness to cooperate and communicate with others.” [4]
This understanding . . . of full humanity lies at the heart of [Dr. Martin Luther] King’s efforts to develop the Beloved Community, which he saw as that “period of social harmony and universal brotherhood that would follow the current social struggle.” [5] At that time, blacks and whites would be reconciled and able to walk together as a family of brothers and sisters without racial strife or disharmony.7

Father Richard concludes the wisdom of Ubuntu, with this reminder that “I am because you are,” seems particularly important for our times, especially in the Western world. Even before social distancing began, loneliness—and the anxiety and depression that often accompany it—had reached epidemic proportions.

 I imagine those numbers will only increase with so many people being further isolated by recent circumstances. I hope and pray that God, who is relationship itself, will not let us forget that we belong to each other.7

Our relationship with Jesus informs our being about the actions of compassion, forgiveness, and charity that we are called to live as we witness the Spirit draw people into a loving community.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 13 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 9, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/13
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 98. Retrieved May 9, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 14 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 9, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/14
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved May 9, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 9, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(2020, May 9). Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for May 9, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/05/09/171577/
7	(2020, May 4). Community Archives — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 9, 2020, from https://cac.org/themes/community/

Victory for Doers

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary resonate with our sense of living in victory over our difficulties and how this connects to our trust in God during the storms in our lives.

Victory from storms

The reading from the Prophet Isaiah is Judah’s song of victory and praise and prayer for deliverance.

* [26:1–19] This text is a mixture of praise for the salvation that will take place, a confession of Judah’s inability to achieve deliverance on its own, and earnest prayer that God may quickly bring about the longed-for salvation.1 

A song of victory is a theme of Psalm 118.

* [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a procession of the king and the people into the Temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Ps 118:1–4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Ps 118:5–9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Ps 118:10–14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Ps 118:15–18). Then follows a possible dialogue at the Temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Ps 118:19–25). Finally, the priests impart their blessing (Ps 118:26–27), and the psalmist sings in gratitude (Ps 118:28–29).2

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns against self-deception.

* [7:13–28] The final section of the discourse is composed of a series of antitheses, contrasting two kinds of life within the Christian community, that of those who obey the words of Jesus and that of those who do not. Most of the sayings are from Q and are found also in Luke.3 

The True Disciple hears and does.

Mike Cherney is lead to consider the various ways Jesus’ message could be understood rather than a literal acceptance of the text. He does not enjoy the ambiguity that this creates or relish the extra effort that it requires.

He sees the foundation in today’s Gospel as corresponding to one’s character. Jesus is asking, “How does one respond to challenges and difficulties?”. Does one respond with grit and resilience or is one willing to give up when faced with unpleasant demands or adversity?
I recall the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They seem well matched to such an understanding of today’s Gospel
My prayer today is for a resilience in my commitment in service to the Gospel.4

Don Schwager quotes “Turn your vision to the Savior,” by Verecundus (died 552 AD).

"When Hezekiah, the king of Judah and son of Ahaz, was gravely ill and had learned of his coming death by the prophecy of Isaiah, he turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly (2 Kings 20:1-3). Immediately the Lord in his mercy not only averted the destruction of imminent death but also added fifteen years to the man's life. Then, at last, Hezekiah sang this song (Isaiah 38:10-20). Hezekiah, a holy man who reigned at that time over all of Israel, displayed the Lord's form: clearly he had every movement of body, soul and mind in subjection to himself, and he accepted the consequences of his infirmity and weakness. He knew without doubt through the prophetic message that the end of his life was approaching. For the longer we seem to live, the more indubitably is our future death foreknown to us. And if we turn our face to the wall when struck by the fear of death, that is, if we direct the vision of our hearts to the Savior, who is here represented by the wall because he is elsewhere called 'a wall,' we will be saved, inasmuch as he saves the faithful who dwell within him from a great many attacks. 'In the city of our strength,' says Isaiah, 'is the Savior established as a wall and a fortress' (Isaiah 26:1). Behold, the Savior is said to be a wall." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE CANTICLE OF EZEKIEL 5.1-2)   [Verecundus was an African Christian writer and bishop in the 6th century AD.5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27 urges that today and every day we look for signs of God’s goodness and mercy and salvation. And thank him. Then watch our hearts expand.

Everything he does is good. He never makes a mistake, never forgets a detail, never acts spitefully. Thank him for that! He never wakes up in a bad mood or has a bad day. Thank him for that unfailing goodness. Thank him for knowing you and thinking of you before you were born. Give thanks because he has always had nothing but tender love for you. If you have experienced any goodness or blessing from God, give thanks!6 

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the universal approach of the author of Isaiah chapters 24-27. God cannot force Love upon us. We need to turn toward His invitation. Friar Jude reminds that turning to God in trust strengthens us for difficult times.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares the writing of a modern mystic, Dr. Diana L. Hayes. She is an author and professor Emerita of systematic theology at Georgetown University. He appreciates how her writing integrates her intellectual knowledge with her deeply embodied life experience. Hayes’ words are a testament to the deeper “knowing” that comes about through bleak times of suffering.

I wrestled with God on my bed of pain as I do still today . . . I argue and shout and listen and pray and question and doubt and finally acquiesce, only to move further down the path to another fork in the road where the struggle begins yet anew. . . .
I believe I have learned, because of my own struggles, how to see, hear, and feel the struggles of others, voiced and unvoiced. This has led me to explore theology . . . a new and challenging way—from the bottom up. I know what it is like to be poor, to be discriminated against because of my poverty, my race, my gender, and my disabilities. These many years of struggle and pain [physical, mental, and spiritual] . . . have forged me in the fiery furnace of God’s love. . . .
My life, a seeming paradox of contradictions and odd twists and turns, has truly been one where troubles of many different forms have always been in my way. Yet I know now, deep within me, that “trouble don’t always last.” God is not through with me yet.7

The victory we experience over difficulties is a consequence of our trust in God.

References

1	(n.d.). Isaiah, chapter 26 - United States Conference. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/26
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 118 - United States Conference. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/118
3	(n.d.). Luke, chapter 7 - United States Conference. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/7
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved December 5, 2019, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/12/05/
7	(2019, December 4). Richard Rohr Meditation: Trouble Don't Last Always | Cac.org. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from https://newslettercollector.com/newsletter/richard-rohr-meditation-trouble-don-t-last-always/

Living in Wisdom of the Kingdom

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of the characteristics of wisdom and creativity that bring truth, beauty and goodness to our life.

Seeking wisdom

The reading from the Book of Wisdom outlines the perfect nature of Wisdom.

* [7:22b–23] The twenty-one (7 × 3) attributes of the spirit in Wisdom reflect the influence of contemporary philosophy, especially the Stoa, but the personification rests also on Prv 8:22–31 and Sir 24.
* [7:25–26] Five strong metaphors underline the origins and closeness of Wisdom with God. See the use of this language in Heb 1:3; Col 1:15.1 

Psalm 119 declares the world manifests the Word by its permanence and reliability.

* [119:89–91] God’s word creates the world, which manifests that word by its permanence and reliability.2 

In the Gospel of Luke Jesus declares the coming of the Kingdom and remind us of the Day of the Son of Man.

* [17:21] Among you: the Greek preposition translated as among can also be translated as “within.” In the light of other statements in Luke’s gospel about the presence of the kingdom (see Lk 10:9, 11; 11:20) “among” is to be preferred.3 

Barbara Dilly comments that Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is already with us, in every age.

 I find that those who find wisdom in the statutes and ordinances of the Lord and who stand firm in those truths bear abundant fruits that reveal an “aura of the might of God and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty.”  Who are these people among us? They are surely everywhere if we look for them. The words in the reading of Wisdom are helpful to me in identifying these fruitful believers. There are those among us who demonstrate a spirit of wisdom and truth that is “intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, and certain.”  This wisdom spirit is passed into holy souls from age to age and produces friends of God and prophets that we can surely find among us.4

Don Schwager quotes “Don't pursue human glory,” by John Cassian (360-435 AD).

 "If the devil has been driven out and sin no longer reigns, then the kingdom of God is established in us. As it is written in the Gospel, 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation, nor will they say, 'Lo here,' or 'Lo, there.' Truly I say to you that the kingdom of God is within you' (Luke 17:20-21). The only thing that can be 'within us' is knowledge or ignorance of the truth and the affection for righteousness or sin by which we prepare our hearts to be a kingdom of Christ or the devil. St. Paul described the nature of this kingdom in this way: 'For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit' (Romans 14:17). If the kingdom of God is within us and is righteousness, peace and joy, then someone that remains in these is surely within the kingdom of God. Someone that remains in unrighteousness, conflict and the melancholy that kills the life of the spirit is already a citizen of the devil's kingdom, of hell and of death. These are the signs whether it is God's kingdom or the devil's." (excerpt from  CONFERENCE 1.13.5)
[John Cassian was an early 5th century church father who lived for several years with the monks in Bethlehem and Egypt before founding a monastery in southern Gaul.]5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 17:20-25 comment that Jesus teaches us about the most powerful unseen force of all: the kingdom of God. He explains that the coming of this kingdom isn’t accompanied with a lot of fanfare, and many don’t notice it. Jesus’ humble coming in the flesh was the inauguration of the kingdom, and that was a very quiet beginning. But from that point on, everything began to change. The kingdom’s forces are now at work in a new way, and it’s only a matter of time before Jesus takes up his reign in a much more public way.

So we live in an “already, but not yet” time. God’s kingdom truly is among us, but it is not yet fully visible. This isn’t always easy for us. We want to see more; we want to experience more, but God is asking us to exercise our faith and to trust in his unseen presence and his invisible power. He wants us to live in hope—not a wistful denial of reality, but a sure and certain assurance that his kingdom truly is with us. We can be peaceful and trusting, secure in the knowledge that Jesus, our King, is in control, and we will eventually see him return in unmistakable glory.6 

Friar Jude Winkler explains the superlative perfect description of Wisdom. The most perfect form of God’s Wisdom is Love given to those who seek her. Friar Jude reminds of the already but not yet eschatology of Luke.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares that like contemporary theologian Dr. Diana L. Hayes, he has found healing through the creative process of writing. Dr Hayes writes:

 I am a Catholic womanist, standing firmly in the shoes my mothers made for me and walking toward a future in which all of God’s creation will be recognized and affirmed regardless of race, class, gender, or sexual orientation. I am black. I am Catholic. And by the grace of God, I am here. I invite you to share my journey of self-discovery and faith. . . . My spirituality, a womanist spirituality, that is, a spirituality forged in the awareness and experience of the multiplicative forms of oppression that are used to limit and restrain black women, has been honed and sharpened by my journey with God throughout my life. . . . Womanist spirituality is the encounter of black women and Jesus spelled out in song, poetry, novels, and memoirs that speak of the everlasting struggle as they continue to move themselves and their people one step closer to the Promised Land, a land to be found after death, yes, but more important, a land they know has been promised in this life as well. [2]7

Living in the Kingdom of Love connects us to Wisdom personified in God and opens our Spirit to creative endeavour.

References

1	(n.d.). Wisdom, chapter 7 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved November 14, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/7
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 119. Retrieved November 14, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/119
3	(n.d.). Luke, chapter 17 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved November 14, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/17
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved November 14, 2019, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 14, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). 32nd Week in Ordinary Time - Mass Readings and Catholic .... Retrieved November 14, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/11/14/
7	(2019, November 14). Release and Healing — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 14, 2019, from https://cac.org/release-and-healing-2019-11-14/