Prophets Prayer Penance

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate prayer, fasting, and almsgiving action as passageways to deeper commitment to our baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and king.

Contemplate and Act

In the reading from the Second Book of Kings, Elijah ascends to Heaven as his mantle falls to Elisha.

* [2:1–25] The story of Elisha’s succession to Elijah’s prophetic office is oddly set between the death of Ahaziah (1:17) and the accession of his successor (3:1). The effect is to place this scene, which is the central scene in the whole of 1–2 Kings, outside of time. It thereby becomes almost mythic in its import and reminds us that, behind the transitory flow of kings and kingdoms, stand the eternal word of God and the prophets who give it voice. Just as 1–2 Kings pivots on this chapter, so this scene too is concentrically constructed. Together Elijah and Elisha journey to Bethel, thence to Jericho, and thence across the Jordan. There Elijah is taken up in the whirlwind and Elijah’s mantle of power comes to Elisha. Now alone, Elisha crosses the Jordan again, returns to Jericho and thence back to Bethel. (2 Kings, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

Psalm 31 is a prayer and praise for deliverance from enemies.

* [Psalm 31] A lament (Ps 31:2–19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Ps 31:4, 6, 15–16), ending with an anticipatory thanksgiving (Ps 31:20–24). As is usual in laments, the affliction is couched in general terms. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by evil people but trusts in the “God of truth” (Ps 31:6). (Psalms, PSALM 31, n.d.)

In the Sermon on the Mount, from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches about our attitude concerning almsgiving, prayer, and fasting,

* [6:1–18] The sermon continues with a warning against doing good in order to be seen and gives three examples, almsgiving (Mt 6:2–4), prayer (Mt 6:5–15), and fasting (Mt 6:16–18). In each, the conduct of the hypocrites (Mt 6:2) is contrasted with that demanded of the disciples. The sayings about reward found here and elsewhere (Mt 5:12, 46; 10:41–42) show that this is a genuine element of Christian moral exhortation. Possibly to underline the difference between the Christian idea of reward and that of the hypocrites, the evangelist uses two different Greek verbs to express the rewarding of the disciples and that of the hypocrites; in the latter case it is the verb apechō, a commercial term for giving a receipt for what has been paid in full (Mt 6:2, 5, 16). (Matthew, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)

George Butterfield comments that the Gospel reading for today is the same one that is read every Ash Wednesday. It reminds us of certain spiritual principles as we begin the season of Lent. However, these principles assist us throughout the year as we strive to grow spiritually.

Finally, he is a Father who rewards his children. Jesus uses several terms for this: recompense, reward, repay. I also find it interesting that Jesus doesn’t add, “Now don’t do all of this because you want a reward; do it only because it’s the right thing to do.” Jesus is the one who mentioned a reward. What is wrong with wanting it? Doesn’t Jesus say that we are to lay up treasures in heaven? Our hidden Father sees what we do for others and plans to reward us for our efforts. Don’t be ashamed to do all you can to have those rewards waiting for you when you see your heavenly Father face to face. (Creighton U. Daily Reflection, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Pray with the angels,” by John Chrysostom, 547-407 A.D.

"When you pray, it is as if you were entering into a palace - not a palace on earth, but far more awesome, a palace in heaven. When you enter there, you do so with complete attentiveness and fitting respect. For in the houses of kings all turmoil is set aside, and silence reigns. Yet here you are being joined by choirs of angels. You are in communion with archangels and singing with the seraphim, who sing with great awe their spiritual hymns and sacred songs to God, the Lord of all. So when you are praying, mingle with these voices, patterning yourself according to their mystical order. It is not to human beings that you are praying but to God, who is present everywhere, who hears even before you speak and who knows already the secrets of the heart. If you pray to this One, you shall receive a great reward. 'For your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.' He did not merely say he would give it to you but reward you, as if he himself had made a pledge to you and so honored you with a great honor. Because God himself is hidden, your prayer should be hidden." (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 19.3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 comments on an encouraging promise—especially during those times when we wonder if we’re making any difference at all! God sees every sacrifice we make. He knows how hard it can be at times. And he assures us that no single sacrifice is ever wasted. Even if the one we are helping out never recognizes what we have done, God recognizes it, and he rewards it.

Sometimes these rewards seem as hidden as the sacrifices that prompted them. Sometimes they even seem delayed or deferred altogether. But that’s okay. It’s enough just to know that your heavenly Father sees what no one else sees and rejoices in it. It’s enough to know that one day you will see him face-to-face, and that on that day, you will be rewarded far more than you can imagine here and now. Until that day comes, take comfort in knowing that you have the great privilege of loving as he loves. “Father, thank you for calling me to serve just as you served! Help me to find joy in giving without counting the cost.” (Meditation on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the apparent supernatural nature of Elijah’s ascent to heaven. Apocalyptic literature of the first century attributed special knowledge of heaven to Elijah, Enoch, and Moses. Friar Jude warns against applying modern Western thinking to Jewish advice of the first century as we test purification of our motives for doing good by our concern for our self interest.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, notes that theologian and minister Bruce Epperly writes of the timely importance of the Franciscan commitment to both contemplation and action.

I believe that Francis’s message is even more important in light of this most recent pandemic. Francis—and his spiritual sister, Clare—remind us we are all connected. The paths of greed, consumerism, individualism, and nationalism endanger the planet and its peoples. In the spirit of Francis, we need to break down barriers of friend and stranger, citizen and immigrant, rich and poor, if we are to survive in this increasingly interdependent world. Nations need to see patriotism in terms of world loyalty as well as self-affirmation. We need the Franciscan vision of all creation singing praises to the Creator if we are to flourish in the years and centuries to come. Like Francis and Clare, we need to become earth-loving saints, committed to our planet and its peoples—in our time and our children’s and grandchildren’s time. As I walked the streets of Assisi, I realized I needed the wisdom of this saint who sought to reform the church based on his experience of the Living God. I recognized that the church always needs reformation, but this reformation needs to be grounded in inner spiritual experience. . . . (Rohr, n.d.)

Our baptismal prophetic role is presented in the promptings of the Spirit in our prayer and action that focuses on the needs of others.

References

Creighton U. Daily Reflection. (n.d.). Online Ministries. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/061522.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?1 

Meditation on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/06/15/411373/ 

Psalms, PSALM 31. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31?20 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Spirit of Francis. Daily Meditations Archive: 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-of-francis-2022-06-15/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture ... Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jun15 

2 Kings, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/2?1 

Not Knowing

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer contemplation of the contrast between not knowing the future when we are not guided by the Spirit and not knowing when we are aware of God’s Presence on our journey.

Seeking direction

The reading from the Book of Acts tells of Timothy joining Paul and Silas and Paul’s vision of the man of Macedonia.

 * [16:3] Paul had him circumcised: he did this in order that Timothy might be able to associate with the Jews and so perform a ministry among them. Paul did not object to the Jewish Christians’ adherence to the law. But he insisted that the law could not be imposed on the Gentiles. Paul himself lived in accordance with the law, or as exempt from the law, according to particular circumstances (see 1 Cor 9:19–23).1

Psalm 100 urges that all lands be summoned to praise God.

 * [100:3] Although the people call on all the nations of the world to join in their hymn, they are conscious of being the chosen people of God.2

In the Gospel of John, Jesus reveals the world’s hatred for Him and his followers.

 * [15:21] On account of my name: the idea of persecution for Jesus’ name is frequent in the New Testament (Mt 10:22; 24:9; Acts 9:14). For John, association with Jesus’ name implies union with Jesus.3

Gladyce Janky comments that Jesus' disciples accepted that their lived experiences of Jesus, including his death, and resurrection had transformed them. They no longer fit the paradigm of the world they knew before Jesus. The only way out of the in-between time was to go forward.

 I am sure my imagining of the questions is influenced by where I see our world today.  We are in an in-between time, a place we did not choose to go.  COVID-19 has inflicted excruciating physical, mental, and emotional pain on many people. At the same time, life has slowed down, allowing time for transformation.  Like the disciples, we cannot go back to who we were pre-pandemic.  We have no choice but to come to terms with our situation.  However, we do have the freedom to choose how we integrate these experiences and who we become.   
Some of us might be asking, "How can I decide what to do?" St. Ignatius of Loyola, through the Spiritual Exercises, offers us the gift of spiritual discernment to help us decide (elect) how to proceed.  We see a glimpse of this at work in today's reading from the Acts of the Apostles (16:1-10).  Paul and Timothy rely on the Holy Spirit to guide their teaching and missionary travels. By trusting God, and choosing to do the work God has in mind, "The churches grew stronger in faith and increased in number."
In our time, the world looks back to the early church and sees the impact of the apostles' choice (election) to follow in Christ's footsteps, no matter the cost.  When the world looks back at the COVID-19 pandemic, what will the world see about our choice (election) to follow Christ?4

Don Schwager quotes “Those who suffer with Christ reign with Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

 "It is just as if Jesus said, 'I, the creator of the universe, who have everything under my hand, both in heaven and on earth, did not bridle their rage or restrain ... their inclinations. Rather, I let each one choose their own course and permitted all to do what they wanted. Therefore, when I was persecuted, I endured it even though I had the power of preventing it. When you too follow in my wake and pursue the same course I did, you also will be persecuted. You're going to have to momentarily endure the aversion of those who hate you without being overly troubled by the ingratitude of those whom you benefit. This is how you attain my glory, for those who suffer with me shall also reign with me.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 10.2)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 16:1-10 notes we all experience closed doors from time to time—in our workplaces or churches, in our homes or families. When we come up against such circumstances, try to follow the example of Paul and Timothy. Instead of wondering why some opportunity was closed, move on and do the next right thing.

 It’s only human to be disappointed when something doesn’t work out the way we had hoped. But try not to be discouraged by it. Rather, try to understand what your next step should be—and take it. Stay focused on the larger vision that God has for you. Trust that the Holy Spirit is leading you, guiding you, and protecting you, whether you understand the reasons for the twists and turns in your path or not.
At the end of the day, we can’t always comprehend the bigger picture that God has for us. But he is a good God, and so we can always trust that his plan for us is better than anything we could ever come up with ourselves!
“Holy Spirit, I will trust in you, even when I don’t understand why a door has closed.”6

Friar Jude Winkler explains the Jewish heritage of Timothy as the background for his circumcision. The Holy Spirit is guiding the growth of the Church. Friar Jude reminds us that our joy in difficult situations reflects our sharing in the passion of Jesus.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Theologian Bruce G. Epperly description of Julian of Norwich’s life and faith. Life was particularly difficult in the fourteenth century. Plague, death, and social upheaval characterized everyday life. Death equalized the wealthy and impoverished, and no place could offer escape from the ravages of disease. Scholars believe that unnamed mystic Julian, whose name came from her cathedral home, lived through three plagues and may have lost her husband and children to the dreaded Black Death. Despite the tragedy and loss she experienced, Julian affirmed that God will redeem all things, all sin will be forgiven, and everyone will find wholeness in God’s everlasting realm.

 I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38–39).
Consider your greatest fears and place them in the passage along with Paul’s list. For example, you may make affirmations such as:
Cancer [or other illnesses] will not separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Unemployment will not separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Bereavement will not separate me from the love of God.
Let go of your burdens, including your sin, guilt, and shame, to a Wisdom and Guidance greater than your own. Imperfection is inevitable in earthly life, but all shall be well.7

The trust we have in God opens our lives to the prompting of the Spirit in times when we seek direction on our path.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 16 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/16
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 100 - United States Conference. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/100
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 15 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/15
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved May 16, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for May 16, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/05/16/
7	(n.d.). Julian of Norwich: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and .... Retrieved May 16, 2020, from https://cac.org/julian-of-norwich-weekly-summary-2020-05-16/