Blessing and the Holy Spirit

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder our religious heritage and refresh our attention to the guidance of the Spirit on our journey.

Faith and the Spirit

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews celebrates the Faith of the Ancients.

* [11:1–40] This chapter draws upon the people and events of the Old Testament to paint an inspiring portrait of religious faith, firm and unyielding in the face of any obstacles that confront it. These pages rank among the most eloquent and lofty to be found in the Bible. They expand the theme announced in Heb 6:12, to which the author now returns (Heb 10:39). The material of this chapter is developed chronologically. Heb 11:3–7 draw upon the first nine chapters of Genesis (Gn 1–9); Heb 11:8–22, upon the period of the patriarchs; Heb 11:23–31, upon the time of Moses; Heb 11:32–38, upon the history of the judges, the prophets, and the Maccabean martyrs. The author gives the most extensive description of faith provided in the New Testament, though his interest does not lie in a technical, theological definition. In view of the needs of his audience he describes what authentic faith does, not what it is in itself. Through faith God guarantees the blessings to be hoped for from him, providing evidence in the gift of faith that what he promises will eventually come to pass (Heb 11:1). Because they accepted in faith God’s guarantee of the future, the biblical personages discussed in Heb 11:3–38 were themselves commended by God (Heb 11:2). Christians have even greater reason to remain firm in faith since they, unlike the Old Testament men and women of faith, have perceived the beginning of God’s fulfillment of his messianic promises (Heb 11:39–40). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 31 offers 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 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac.

* [5:1] The territory of the Gerasenes: the reference is to pagan territory; cf. Is 65:1. Another reading is “Gadarenes”; see note on Mt 8:28.

* [5:2–6] The man was an outcast from society, dominated by unclean spirits (Mk 5:8, 13), living among the tombs. The prostration before Jesus (Mk 5:6) indicates Jesus’ power over evil spirits.

* [5:7] What have you to do with me?: cf. Mk 1:24 and see note on Jn 2:4.

* [5:9] Legion is my name: the demons were numerous and the condition of the possessed man was extremely serious; cf. Mt 12:45.

* [5:11] Herd of swine: see note on Mt 8:30.

* [5:19] Go home: Jesus did not accept the man’s request to remain with him as a disciple (Mk 5:18), yet invited him to announce to his own people what the Lord had done for him, i.e., proclaim the gospel message to his pagan family; cf. Mk 1:14, 39; 3:14; 13:10. (Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney recalls the Prayer for the Blessing of Throats, a Feb 3 tradition, and the encouragement in Hebrews for life in difficult times.

"Through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. "

In the first reading from Hebrews we are told of the prophets of old who were faithful and overcame challenges in their faith. It did not always end well for them, some were tortured and martyred. So their reward came in the next world, not this one. They can be seen as an inspiration for us who are uncertain and frightened about the times we live in. We can take comfort that others were also uncertain and were frightened but remained faithful; others came before us who had to overcome impossible obstacles and who were persecuted. Because of their sacrifice we have a role model and inspiration. (Whitney, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “The God-Man beheld,” by Gregory of Nazianzus (330 - 390 AD)

"Yes, he is recognized by demons (Luke 4:33-34, Mark 1:23-24), drives out demons (Matthew 8:16, Mark 1:34), drowns deep a legion of spirits (Matthew 8:32; Mark 5:9,13; Luke 8:30,33) and sees the prince of demons falling like lightning (Luke 10:18). He is stoned, yet not hit (John 8:59; 10:31,39); he prays yet he hears prayer (Matthew 8:13; Mark 1:35). He weeps (John 11:35), yet he puts an end to weeping (Luke 7:13; 8:522; 23:28). He asks where Lazarus is (John 11:34) - he was man; yet he raises Lazarus (John 11:43-44) - he was God." (excerpt from ORATION 29, ON THE SON 20) (of Nazianzus & Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24 comments that the psalmist begins by crying out to God for help and ends by proclaiming his faith that God will answer his prayer. He praises God for the “wondrous mercy he has shown me” and for hearing “the sound of my pleading” (Psalm 31:22, 23). Because of God’s past faithfulness, he trusts that God will come to his aid again. And so he exults, “How great is the goodness, O Lord, which you have in store for those who fear you” (31:20).

So don’t bear your burdens alone: unburden yourself to Jesus. Let him remind you that your Father has good things in store for you. Lift up your eyes to your risen Lord who awaits you. Even death is not the end of the story. God’s goodness will pursue you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6)!

“Lord, I trust in you!” (Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Letter to the Hebrews today proclaims more people of faith in our heritage who trusted God and experienced wondrous gifts. The Hebrew Testament offers prefigurations of Jesus actions in faith. Friar Jude reminds us of the resonance of “Legion” with the Roman occupation and the damage done to pagan livelihoods when the demons drive the swine into the sea.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, offers a history of Israel’s prophets and the unique role they played.

The same dynamics operate today, with those in power or trying to gain power more interested in protecting their own interests and positions than in seeking justice. We must be eternally conscious of this fact: For the untransformed self, religion is the most dangerous temptation of all. Our egos, when they are validated by religion, are given full permission to enslave, segregate, demean, defraud, and inflate—because all bases are covered with pre-ascribed virtue and a supposed hatred of evil. This is what the prophets expose in their wholesale assault on temple worship, priestly classes, self-serving commandments, and intergenerational wealth. “Be very careful here!” they keep shouting. The prophets know that religion is the best and that religion also risks being the worst. We love to choose sides and declare ourselves sinless and pure and orthodox (“right”), with little evidence that it is true. This is always a surprise to everyone except the prophets. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek inspiration from the Holy Spirit to live out our Baptismal anointing as a prophet to proclaim the blessings of our relationship with Christ.

References

Hebrews, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/11?32 

Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/5?1=#49005001 

Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/03/1194360/ 

of Nazianzus, G., & Schwager, D. (n.d.). Tell Them How Much the Lord Has Done for You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb3 

Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31?20 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Role of the Prophets. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-role-of-the-prophets/ 

Whitney, T. (2025, February 3). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/020325.html 

Suffering and Deliverance

 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the value of our suffering and doubts as part of a process leading to fullness of life.

Some doubts and suffering

 

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews encourages the community about suffering for better.

* [11:40] So that without us they should not be made perfect: the heroes of the Old Testament obtained their recompense only after the saving work of Christ had been accomplished. Thus they already enjoy what Christians who are still struggling do not yet possess in its fullness.1

 

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).2

 

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals the Gerasene Demoniac.

* [5:19] Go home: Jesus did not accept the man’s request to remain with him as a disciple (Mk 5:18), yet invited him to announce to his own people what the Lord had done for him, i.e., proclaim the gospel message to his pagan family; cf. Mk 1:14, 39; 3:14; 13:10.3

 

Ron Fussell comments that the possessed man that Jesus encounters in this journey might be a reflection of all of us. It speaks to the fundamental truth that as humans, we carry the burden of sin, and it is through our relationship with Jesus that we are freed from that burden.

I am fortunate to be part of a group of colleagues at Creighton University who, through prayer and reflection, are developing a closer relationship with Jesus through the Spiritual Exercises.  Yesterday, one facilitator for that experience shared that if God is love, then we are inclined to respond with gratitude (a profound thought that I surely could not have formulated on my own).  So, if through God’s love we are freed from these burdens, what is an appropriate expression of gratitude?  Fortunately, in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus gives us one answer. As the formerly possessed man struggled to come up with a response to his encounter with Jesus, he attempted to follow Jesus back onto the boat. But, Jesus had different plans. He charged the man to “go home to [his] family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you” (Mark 5:19). The man did this, and the people were “amazed”. And this is the key – that it is not enough to just be healed, but that we need to be intentional about sharing this with others.4 

Don Schwager quotes “The God-Man beheld,” by Gregory of Nazianzus (330 - 390 AD).

"Yes, he is recognized by demons (Luke 4:33-34, Mark 1:23-24), drives out demons (Matthew 8:16, Mark 1:34), drowns deep a legion of spirits (Matthew 8:32; Mark 5:9,13; Luke 8:30,33) and sees the prince of demons falling like lightning (Luke 10:18). He is stoned, yet not hit (John 8:59; 10:31,39); he prays yet he hears prayer (Matthew 8:13; Mark 1:35). He weeps (John 11:35), yet he puts an end to weeping (Luke 7:13; 8:522; 23:28). He asks where Lazarus is (John 11:34) - he was man; yet he raises Lazarus (John 11:43-44) - he was God." (excerpt from ORATION 29, ON THE SON 20)5

 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Hebrews 11:32-40 asserts that God has chosen us for the most important mission of all: to love and serve him and his people. Sure, we aren’t called to slay giants as David did, but there are different “battles” each day in the struggle to love the Lord and those he has placed in our life.

God wants to remind us that it’s not all on our shoulders. Just as the saints and heroes of our faith did, he wants us to trust in his power and strength. He knows that on our own, we are weak. But when we make the decision to lean on him, he gives us the grace to overcome every challenge we face. So in the heat of a trying moment, remember to pray, “Holy Spirit, help me!” But be prepared as well for those inevitable daily battles by spending a few minutes each morning asking Jesus to give you all that you need for what lies ahead.6

 

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the author of Hebrews uses heroes of the Hebrew Testament to exhort the community to fulfill what was begun in their time. The pigs in the pagan territory of the Gerasenes were considered unclean by Jews. Friar Jude notes the healed man proclaimed Jesus power over demons in his home territory.

 

Brian McLaren, good friend and colleague of Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, has recently published a book, “Faith After Doubt''. He shows how doubt and periods of unknowing are necessary for spiritual growth. Brian proposes a four-stage growth process of Simplicity, Complexity, Perplexity, and Harmony.

When I studied the mystics . . .  I learned that they spoke often of purgation (or katharsis) as the portal to illumination (or fotosis) and union (or theosis). They saw purgation as the painful and necessary process by which we are stripped of know-it-all arrogance, ego, and self-will. Perplexity, I realized, was working like an X-ray of my soul, exposing much of my so-called spirituality as a vanity project of my ego, an expression of my arrogant desire to always be right, my desperate and fearful need to always be in control, my unexamined drive to tame the wildness of life by naming it and dominating it with words. The doubt of Perplexity, the mystics helped me see, was just the fire I needed to purge me of previously unacknowledged arrogance. In this way, self-knowledge was another gift that came, unwanted, during my Stage Three descent.7 

Fr. Richard concludes that, ironically, one of the few things he can say he truly knows is that not-knowing and often not even needing to know is—surprise of surprises—a deeper way of knowing and a deeper falling into compassion. This is surely what the mystics mean by “death” and why they talk of it with so many metaphors. It is the essential transitioning. The deliverance we seek from the demons of our life and society is part of a process involving a mystical death as disciples of One who is Love from the Cross.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Hebrews, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/11
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31
3	(n.d.). Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/5
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online .... Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/020121.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=feb1
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/02/01/180715/
7	(2021, February 1). Doubt: A Necessary Tool for Growth — Center for Action and .... Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://cac.org/doubt-a-necessary-tool-for-growth-2021-02-01/