Unity and Attentiveness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be attentive to the call and mission of Christ to bring us together as children of God.

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism

The reading from the Letter to the Ephesians calls for Unity in the Body of Christ.

* [4:1–16] A general plea for unity in the church. Christians have been fashioned through the Spirit into a single harmonious religious community (one body, Eph 4:4, 12; cf. Eph 4:16), belonging to a single Lord (in contrast to the many gods of the pagan world), and by one way of salvation through faith, brought out especially by the significance of baptism (Eph 4:1–6; cf. Rom 6:1–11). 

* [4:4–6] The “seven unities” (church, Spirit, hope; Lord, faith in Christ [Eph 1:13], baptism; one God) reflect the triune structure of later creeds in reverse. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 24 is a prayer for Entrance into the Temple

* [Psalm 24] The Psalm apparently accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God (invisibly enthroned upon the ark), followed by the people, into the Temple. The Temple commemorated the creation of the world (Ps 24:1–2). The people had to affirm their fidelity before being admitted into the sanctuary (Ps 24:3–6; cf. Ps 15). A choir identifies the approaching God and invites the very Temple gates to bow down in obeisance (Ps 24:7–10). (Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches about interpreting the times and settling with your opponent.

* [12:59] The last penny: Greek, lepton, a very small amount. Mt 5:26 has for “the last penny” the Greek word kodrantēs (Latin quadrans, “farthing”). (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner thinks Jesus is telling all of us to pay attention. We know how. We can read the signs of a friend’s distress, a colleague happy about a good meeting, a family member’s need for reassurance. We can read them, but what happens when we are distracted? How can I see God in others if our only communication is a grinning emoji and an abbreviation? Any communication can be good, but we need to go beyond that surface level.

I think we are all starved to that kind of attention that is focused, caring, empathetic. We all need to really see the signs and really listen to what those around us are saying. It takes time and effort to see beyond the surface and to interpret the signs of how those around us are coping. Those text messages can wait. I don’t have to watch that video right now. I can pay attention to those around me and pay attention to me. (Zuegner, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Signs from the Law point to the dawn of the Mystery of Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"People focus their attention on things of this kind. From long observation and practice they tell beforehand when rain will fall or violent winds will blow. One especially sees that sailors are very skillful in this matter. He says that it would be suitable for those who can calculate things of this sort and may foretell storms that are about to happen to focus the penetrating eyes of the mind also on important matters. What are these? The law showed beforehand the mystery of Christ, that he would shine out in the last ages of the world on the inhabitants of the earth and submit to be a sacrifice for the salvation of all. It even commanded a lamb to be sacrificed as a type of him who died towards evening and at lighting of lamps (Exodus 12:6).

"We might now understand that when, like the day, this world was declining to its close, the great, precious and truly saving passion would be fulfilled. The door of salvation would be thrown wide open to those who believe in him, and abundant happiness be their share. In the Song of Songs, we also find Christ calling to the bride described there. The bride personally represents the church, in these words, 'Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. Look, the winter is past, and the rain is gone. It has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning has come' (Song 2:10-12). As I said, a certain springlike calm was about to arise for those who believe in him." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 95)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ephesians 4:1-6 notes that when Pope Francis was asked, “Who is Jorge Bergoglio?” his answer surprised many: “I am a sinner whom the Lord looked upon with mercy.” But to fellow Jesuits around the world, his response was anything but surprising. They knew that this is the standard answer for a Jesuit when he is asked about his identity: that he is “a sinner loved and redeemed by God.”

This recognition of who we are can also help us in “bearing with one another through love” (Ephesians 4:2). We aren’t perfect, and we can’t expect other people to be perfect, either. We are all in the same boat—all sinners striving to please the Lord but also in need of God’s mercy every day. That awareness softens our hearts, allowing us to treat others with patience and gentleness and to forgive them as the Lord forgives us.

Yes, God has called us who are sinners to follow him. But through his love, grace, and mercy, we can live in a way that makes us worthy of this call!

“Jesus, thank you for calling me. Help me to glorify you.” (Meditation on Ephesians 4:1-6, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes the passage from Ephesians is set by the author as from Paul in prison as it urges a life of gentleness, patience, and love as a sign of unity in Christ. Our cleverness in interpretation of the physical world should extend to our spiritual reality. Friar Jude reminds us of the preparation practice of living as if it is our last day on earth.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that visionaries, prophets, and Jesus have all warned us that this journey that we are on will be beset by troubles. In this life, you will have trouble. How we handle that trouble is our witness to future generations.

What I want to say about the wisdom that matters now is that this wisdom often comes from discernment of Divine Spirit in our midst. Hearing and heeding the voice of the Divine is critical during difficult times. But sometimes, with all of our media distractions and our own boredom, it’s difficult to hear the voice of the Creator. So, I’m going to suggest that if you’re hoping to hear beyond this realm into the next, remember that the key is newness. The Creator does not come as we expect. The Spirit does not move under our command. When we expect divine intervention in one way, it usually comes in another. We expect the warrior king to set things right, God sends a baby in a manger. We expect wrongs to be punished, God extends grace and mercy to all.   (Rohr, n.d.)

As we contemplate the nature of the unity among us, we consider our state and common condition as “sinners whom the Lord looked upon with mercy.”

References

Ephesians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/4?1  

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?54= 

Meditation on Ephesians 4:1-6. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/25/1112765/ 

Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/24?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Wisdom Will Come. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/wisdom-will-come/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Heed the Warning Signs before It Is Too Late. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct25 

Zuegner, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/102524.html 

Inspired acts

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with those experiences where action results from the inspiration of the Spirit.

In the moment

In the reading from the Book of Acts, Luke presents a view of life in the Christian Community where action is guided by the Spirit.

 * [4:32–37] This is the second summary characterizing the Jerusalem community (see note on Acts 2:42–47). It emphasizes the system of the distribution of goods and introduces Barnabas, who appears later in Acts as the friend and companion of Paul, and who, as noted here (Acts 4:37), endeared himself to the community by a donation of money through the sale of property. This sharing of material possessions continues a practice that Luke describes during the historical ministry of Jesus (Lk 8:3) and is in accord with the sayings of Jesus in Luke’s gospel (Lk 12:33; 16:9, 11, 13).1

Psalm 93 alludes to the ancient myth when sea completely covered the land.

* [Psalm 93] A hymn celebrating the kingship of God, who created the world (Ps 93:1–2) by defeating the sea (Ps 93:3–4). In the ancient myth that is alluded to here, Sea completely covered the land, making it impossible for the human community to live. Sea, or Flood, roars in anger against God, who is personified in the storm. God’s utterances or decrees are given authority by the victory over Sea (Ps 93:5).2 

In the Gospel from John, Jesus instructs Nicodemus in the transformation brought by the Spirit.

 [3:14] Lifted up: in Nm 21:9 Moses simply “mounted” a serpent upon a pole. John here substitutes a verb implying glorification. Jesus, exalted to glory at his cross and resurrection, represents healing for all.
* [3:15] Eternal life: used here for the first time in John, this term stresses quality of life rather than duration.3

Joan Howard asks when, where, how and with whom did the Spirit, the Wind, the Breath of God blow through us, ruffle the feathers of our heart and giving us new life so that we were able to see more clearly what we had not seen before?

 The next time we meet Nicodemus is at Jesus’ crucifixion. (Chapter 21)  Nicodemus brings herbs and spices and assists Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus’ body for burial.   Initially Nicodemus approached Jesus in the “night”, in darkness and confusion and curiosity. This time he approaches the crucified Jesus in daylight possibly with fear, but also with courage and compassion.  Somewhere along his journey, the Spirit, the Wind blew over and through him bringing him into the light so he could see the kingdom. Nicodemus had been “born again”.4

Don Schwager recalls the seven gifts of the Spirit as described by Isaiah.

 The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual power and gifts, especially the seven-fold gifts of wisdom and understanding, right judgment and courage, knowledge and reverence for God and his ways, and a holy fear in God's presence (see Isaiah 11), to enable us to live in his strength as sons and daughters of God. Do you thirst for the new life which God offers you through the transforming power of his Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus Christ, your death brought life for us. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may walk in freedom and joy in the knowledge of your great victory over sin and death."5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 4:32-37 acknowledges we probably aren’t called to live the way the early Christians did, but we can still strive to have “one heart and mind” with one another (Acts 4:32).

 Once you have settled on a situation, take a few moments to pray for unity. Even a simple prayer such as “Come, Holy Spirit; bring us together in unity” can make a difference. Then, quiet yourself and try to listen to what God may say to you. Maybe he’ll encourage you to be more attentive to your spouse’s concerns. He may give you a fresh perspective on a troubling relationship at work. He may even prompt you to do something to bring two parties together—over a meal or in a conversation. He is creative, so just try to be open!6

Friar Jude Winkler categorizes the idyllic picture presented by Luke as somewhat exaggerated. A “vocation brochure” version of a story lets you discover the whole truth later. Friar Jude comments that Jesus divinity is exalted as He pours Himself out on the Cross.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, teaches Jesus’ primary metaphors for the Eternal Now are “the kingdom of God” and “the kingdom of heaven.” He is not talking about a far-off celestial heaven. Nondual knowing is learning how to live satisfied in the naked now, which some called “the sacrament of the present moment.” This consciousness will teach us how to actually experience our experiences, whether good, bad, or ugly, and how to let them transform us. Words by themselves divide and judge the moment; pure presence lets it be what it is, as it is.

 As long as we deal with life as a set of universal abstractions, we can pretend that our binary coordinates are true. But once we touch concrete reality—ourselves, someone we love, actual moments—we find that reality is almost always a mixture of good and bad, dark and light, life and death. “God alone is good,” Jesus tells the rich young man (Mark 10:18). To touch upon Reality requires a both/and synthesis rather than an either/or differentiation where we throw part of reality out (the part we don’t like). The nondual mind is open to everything that comes its way. It does not even deny sin or evil. It is capable of listening to the other, to the body, to the heart, to all the senses. It begins with a radical yes to each moment and to all other people.7

The born again follower of Jesus seeks to attend to the call of the Spirit to action in the inspiration of the present moment.

References

1	Acts, chapter 4 - usccb. Retrieved April 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/4
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 93 - usccb. Retrieved April 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/93
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 3 - usccb. Retrieved April 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/3
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved April 30, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 30, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Saint Pius V, Pope (Optional Memorial) - Mass Readings and Catholic .... Retrieved April 30, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/04/30
7	(2019, April 30). The Eternal Now — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 30, 2019, from https://cac.org/the-eternal-now-2019-04-30/

Hope in the Lord

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the sense of hope that comes in our relationship with Christ. In the Letter to the Hebrews hope is expressed for the sabbath rest The Gospel from Mark presents the hope of Healing of a Paralytic friend. The United Church of God and The Anchor Bible Dictionary decisively and correctly concludes that the Greek “sabbatismos”, in the Letter to the Hebrews, means keeping the seventh-day Sabbath.  Barbara Dilly notes that  The Psalmist encourages us to not forget the works of the Lord!  Let’s put our hope in God! Let’s aim to keep his commandments and keep our hearts steadfast in faith! Don Schwager quotes “Reverse your relation with sickness,” by Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD). The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 2:1-12 comments that this is just one of many stories that show how God responds when we go out of our way to seek help for our loved ones. Friar Jude Winkler discusses the day of rest and the Divine prerogative seized by Jesus in front of the Pharisees. Cynthia Bourgeault observes that Jesus teaches the art of metanoia or “going into the larger mind.” Underlying all his teaching is a clarion call to a radical shift in consciousness: away from the alienation and polarization of the egoic operating system and into the unified field of divine abundance that can be perceived only through the heart. We are able to move day by day through our hope in God.

Awesome Wonders and the continuing Battle

There are at least two aspects of a relationship with the Divine which are eluded to by the texts in the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. The Divine is the source of the awe and wonder which stops humans in their tracks and causes great cognitive dissonance and often physical response from emotions and locations as ancient as Creation. We are linked through the in dwelling Spirit to the awe of the mega and micro all around us. As we live the tension between Divine child and human ego we know the struggle between good and evil. We are conscious of those actions and movements which are towards others and which use Jesus as model. We also know the movements that are solely for personal gratification and preservation of our pride. The texts remind us that the victors have no self interest and have willing given all, including human life, to ensure the will of the Father is accomplished. The eternal questions are not easily resolved.

Spirit Mystery in the Wind

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today contains texts which refer to the Holy Spirit and the role of the unseen and most mysterious aspect of the Divine in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit has inspired the wisdom and prophesies of the ancients. Through the truth revealed by the Holy Spirit and the courage given to the Apostles, the mission of Jesus is accomplished by the Body of Christ. The destiny of Israel as the people of God is affirmed in the Spirit proclaimed by the psalmist. This Spirit is shared by Jesus with Nicodemus as the latter seeks to understand, as we all do, the movement of the Divine in the Life of the universe. We perhaps seek the wind. Too often, our goal is control yet people ancient and modern, like Richard Holloway , who talked to Mary Hynes, on CBC Tapestry, about his most recent book "Between the Monster and the Saint: Reflections on the Human Condition" have a sense of the uniqueness of the universe and the “X” factors in the life about us which defy our rational explanations. We remain where we must exist, in the time, and in the Mystery with glimpse of the infinite and timeless.

What is the Law on this?

The tendency of people to want to have the rules of our relationship with the Divine spelled out in detail is a theme of the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. Ezekiel proclaims that the fate of the righteous person who, knowing the nature of the relationship with the Divine, decides to move away from that intimacy is serious. The family understanding of the Divine relationship is more relevant than a ‘legal ‘interpretation. Members of the family understand that loyalty, faithfulness compassion and love factor into decisions about behavior. Matthew tells of Jesus expansion on the Law concerning the judgment of murderers. The consequence of anger is the concern. The decision to be angry and unforgiving is the seed of the capital crime. The turning away from the guidance of the indwelling Spirit occurs when the status of a brother or sister is de valued in our mind. The Divine Redemption which the psalmist seeks today is the restoration of the indwelling Spirit as guide to our actions.

Mystical Communication

“The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.” (1 Samuel 3:1). The Roman Catholic Lectionary today takes us to the story of the calling of Samuel. The communication between the Divine and people is necessarily of a mystical quality. Perhaps there are guidelines we can follow to enhance or ‘tune’ our receiver. Perhaps we miss messages because of the disposition of our being. Eli advised Samuel to lie quiet and wait. Jesus got up early and went to a deserted place to pray. The background of noise in our lives seems to comfort and keep us connected. As we extend the communication metaphor, we may be missing the message in the noise. Today the people of Haiti are waking to witness widespread death and destruction from a serious earthquake. In prayer, our indwelling Spirit is in empathy and support of these people. We are connected as brothers and sisters. We, like Samuel, need to listen for our call to action.

Hope corrects error

The Roman Catholic Lectionary for today, the Friday in the first week of Advent, is full of hope. Hope is essential for the spiritual journey. It is the attitude that complements prayer. We can hear the Promises of the relationship with the Divine through Hope. As the end of the semester approaches teachers may share the hope of Isaiah that “And those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who grumble will accept instruction” (Isaiah 29:17-24). That correction of error and acceptance of instruction is tied to the psalmist’s hope to live in the house of the Lord. Matthew relates Jesus healing of two blind men. Certainly, we can use the blind metaphor to apply to the condition of blindness mentioned by Isaiah. The Temple of the Divine, which Jesus urges us to have the faith to go within to find, contains the Spirit which corrects error and heals our blindness. Our Hopes are answered!

We really can know the best choice

The ‘time for decision’ appears to be a theme running through the Scriptures of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. What might be the basis of each scenario presented? Is there a common theme? The Seven sons in Maccabees who accept execution instead of betrayal of their customs and covenant, the psalmist who prays for deliverance and the story that Jesus tells in Luke’s Gospel of the difference between the servants who invested their talents well and those who excused themselves. Underlying each scenario is the decision to act according to the understanding of the will of God. There is a choice and in our self, where the Divine indwells, is the necessary understanding to make the choice that continues and expands that awareness of the Presence within.

Imagine a growing relationship

In the Roman Catholic Lectionary today we are offered texts with unfamiliar metaphors.
We may not appreciate the difference between the size of the seed and the size of the plant in the case of the mustard seed. The image of streams in the Negeb is difficult for people who live in a land of much moisture. The stream in the desert is Life. We hear the great hope of the Apostle Paul for the unleashing of the fruits of the Spirit in Creation. These images are an invitation for our imagination to investigate what is within these representations of the Divine Presence in Life. All encompassing, growing from a speck and Life itself springing up in response come to mind. We hear Hope for the promised relationship of child to the Divine.