Connecting to the Presence

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the experiences on our journey when we are intimately aware of the Presence of God.

In the Garden

In the reading from the Book of Genesis, a son is promised to Abraham and Sarah.

* [18:1] Chapters 18 and 19 combined form a continuous narrative, concluding the story of Abraham and his nephew Lot that began in 13:2–18. The mysterious men visit Abraham in Mamre to promise him and Sarah a child the following year (18:1–15) and then visit Lot in Sodom to investigate and then to punish the corrupt city (19:1–29). Between the two visits, Abraham questions God about the justice of punishing Sodom (18:16–33). At the end of the destruction of Sodom, there is a short narrative about Lot as the ancestor of Moab and the Ammonites (19:30–38). (Genesis, CHAPTER 18, n.d.)

Psalm 15 asks who shall abide in God’s Sanctuary?

* [Psalm 15] The Psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court (cf. Ps 24:3–6; Is 33:14b–16). The Israelite wishing to be admitted had to ask the Temple official what conduct was appropriate to God’s precincts. Note the emphasis on virtues relating to one’s neighbor. (Psalms, PSALM 15, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter to the Colossians declares Paul’s Interest in the Colossians showing Christ in Us.

* [1:24] What is lacking: although variously interpreted, this phrase does not imply that Christ’s atoning death on the cross was defective. It may refer to the apocalyptic concept of a quota of “messianic woes” to be endured before the end comes; cf. Mk 13:8, 19–20, 24 and the note on Mt 23:29–32. Others suggest that Paul’s mystical unity with Christ allowed him to call his own sufferings the afflictions of Christ. (Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus Visits Martha and Mary.

* [10:38–42] The story of Martha and Mary further illustrates the importance of hearing the words of the teacher and the concern with women in Luke.

* [10:39] Sat beside the Lord at his feet: it is remarkable for first-century Palestinian Judaism that a woman would assume the posture of a disciple at the master’s feet (see also Lk 8:35; Acts 22:3), and it reveals a characteristic attitude of Jesus toward women in this gospel (see Lk 8:2–3). (Luke, CHAPTER 10, n.d.)

Barbara Dilly comments that Fortitude is a big spiritual gift in this verse ( Luke 8:15) in Luke, but if we look carefully, there are two other spiritual gifts at work here. Keeping the word with a generous spirit is easy with the gift of the fear of the Lord. It strengthens our desire to not offend God and to serve God out of more than a sense of duty. It arises out of love. In that sense, it is like the gift of piety, which means the willingness to worship and serve God is motivated by a profound sense of reverence for a loving Father. It is not difficult, then, to see where this verse helps us understand the faith of Abraham and Sarah in the Old Testament story today and the faith of both Mary and Martha in the New Testament lesson. All were seeking to keep the word of God with a generous heart in one way or another. But Jesus reminded Martha that she should be motivated more out of reverence than a sense of duty.

As I reflect more deeply on what this means for me, I am challenged by this verse to strengthen my love for God more than growing stronger in my own resolve to become more useful. To avoid acting out of a sense of duty, I need to show more reverence and more generosity toward God in my heart first, and then I will no doubt be blessed with a greater harvest in the way that I keep the Word. (Creighton U. Daily Reflection, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Body of Christ needs hearers and doers of the Word,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"'Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred even to the very works, as it is written: 'Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.' So let us also strive to have what no one can take away from us, so that not careless but diligent hearing may be granted to us. For even the seeds of the heavenly Word itself are likely to be taken away if they are sowed by the wayside (Luke 8:5,12). Let the desire for wisdom lead you as it did Mary. It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge of the heavenly Word... Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving, but Mary is preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And therefore the wiser chooses what she perceives as foremost."(excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.83-86) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us offers a Meditation on Genesis 18:1-10.

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the exaggerated hospitality of Abraham that went beyond the obligation to refresh desert travellers as responsibility for their well being. We are called to become living Sacraments to make Christ present and visible through our actions. Friar Jude reminds us of the false choice between action and contemplation in our lives even as he wonders if we would visit Mary or Martha on Thanksgiving.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces the writing of twentieth-century women mystics. Each one shares her experience of God as unconditional and unsurpassed love from her unique background. Father Richard Rohr believes this is true for all mystics. Father Richard has found great inspiration over the past several years in the writings of Jewish mystic Etty Hillesum (1914–1943), in her letters from the Westerbork transit camp.

You have made me so rich, oh God, please let me share out Your beauty with open hands. My life has become an uninterrupted dialogue with You, oh God, one great dialogue. Sometimes when I stand in some corner of the camp, my feet planted on Your earth, my eyes raised toward Your heaven, tears sometimes run down my face, tears of deep emotion and gratitude. At night, too, when I lie in my bed and rest in You, oh God, tears of gratitude run down my face, and that is my prayer. I have been terribly tired for several days, but that too will pass. Things come and go in a deeper rhythm, and people must be taught to listen; it is the most important thing we have to learn in this life. I am not challenging You, oh God, my life is one great dialogue with You. I may never become the great artist I would really like to be, but I am already secure in You, God. Sometimes I try my hand at turning out small profundities and uncertain short stories, but I always end up with just one single word: God. And that says everything, and there is no need for anything more. And all my creative powers are translated into inner dialogues with You. The beat of my heart has grown deeper, more active, and yet more peaceful, and it is as if I were all the time storing up inner riches. [1] (Rohr, 2013)

We pray to be open to the both/and mystery as the Spirit presents opportunities for deeper connection with God in personal mystical contemplation and action to serve our neighbour.

References

Colossians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1?24 

Creighton U. Daily Reflection. (n.d.). Online Ministries. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/071722.html 

Genesis, CHAPTER 18. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/18?1 

Luke, CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?38 

Psalms, PSALM 15. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/15?2 

Rohr, R. (2013, November 15). God Is the Beloved. Daily Meditations Archive: 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/god-is-the-beloved-2022-07-17/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jul17 

 

Faith Works

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that we may need to reflect on how the practice of our faith aligns with deepening our relationship with God.

Action and faith

The reading from the Prophet Jeremiah reveals he complains again and is reassured.

 * [15:13–14] Though the wording of these verses is close to that in 17:3–4, the present passage is evidently God’s word to Jeremiah, whereas 17:3–4 is evidently a word of judgment on Judah. It is noteworthy that the references to “you” in the present passage are singular, until a shift to plural in “against you” in the last line; this “you” is then doubtless a reference to both the prophet and his enemies.1

Psalm 59 is a prayer for deliverance from enemies.

 * [Psalm 59] A lament in two parts (Ps 59:2–9, 11b–17), each ending in a refrain (Ps 59:10, 18). Both parts alternate prayer for vindication (Ps 59:2–3, 4b–5, 11b–14) with vivid depictions of the psalmist’s enemies (Ps 59:4–5a, 7–8, 15–16). The near curse in Ps 59:12–13 is not a crude desire for revenge but a wish that God’s just rule over human affairs be recognized now.2

In the Gospel of John, Martha confesses Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

 * [11:1–44] The raising of Lazarus, the longest continuous narrative in John outside of the passion account, is the climax of the signs. It leads directly to the decision of the Sanhedrin to kill Jesus. The theme of life predominates. Lazarus is a token of the real life that Jesus dead and raised will give to all who believe in him. Johannine irony is found in the fact that Jesus’ gift of life leads to his own death. The story is not found in the synoptics, but cf. Mk 5:21 and parallels; Lk 7:11–17. There are also parallels between this story and Luke’s parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus (Lk 16:19–31). In both a man named Lazarus dies; in Luke, there is a request that he return to convince his contemporaries of the need for faith and repentance, while in John, Lazarus does return and some believe but others do not.3

In the alternate Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus visits Martha and Mary.

 * [10:38–42] The story of Martha and Mary further illustrates the importance of hearing the words of the teacher and the concern with women in Luke.4

Tamora Whitney can relate to Martha. She’s doing all the necessary stuff, serving, making sure everyone is fed, but she feels like she’s missing out on some good stuff. Mary gets to sit and enjoy the guests while Martha makes sure the guests are provided for. We end today with Martha’s profession of faith.

 I can’t really say we aren’t getting the good stuff, even though the ending of that story is pretty amazing, because the ending we get today is her recognition, and faith, and trust. And the care and service she gives her guest is repaid, and her faith is justified.5

Don Schwager quotes “The Body of Christ needs hearers and doers of the Word,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

 "'Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred even to the very works, as it is written: 'Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.' So let us also strive to have what no one can take away from us, so that not careless but diligent hearing may be granted to us. For even the seeds of the heavenly Word itself are likely to be taken away if they are sowed by the wayside (Luke 8:5,12). Let the desire for wisdom lead you as it did Mary. It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge of the heavenly Word... Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving, but Mary is preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And therefore the wiser chooses what she perceives as foremost."(excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.83-86)6

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 11:19-27 notes that in today’s Gospel, we meet a more mature Martha. She’s not so overcome by worry. She recognizes that God is working through Jesus, and she believes that God will give Jesus whatever he asks (John 11:22). She hasn’t yet grasped that he can raise Lazarus from the dead, but she believes that Jesus is the Messiah. She recognizes that he comes from God, and this strengthens her faith.

 Faith is more than passively trusting in God though. It’s actively believing that he can do miracles. Martha can help you understand this type of faith. She came to believe that Jesus could do anything, and she told him so. You can do that too, by asking God for help in a challenging situation. Ask him for a miracle: healing for a loved one, the conversion of a friend, a new job. Ask in confidence, but also trust that Jesus in his wisdom will answer your prayer in the best possible way.7

Friar Jude Winkler explains the challenges faced by Jeremiah and his family in following the directives in Deuteronomy. Jesus promises us a cross to learn love. The powerful profession of faith by a woman in John and the need for our attention to our guests in Luke are underlined by Friar Jude.

StAnthonyCompanions · July 29, 2020

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh (born 1926) is one of the world’s most influential spiritual teachers. During the Vietnam War, his work for peace brought him into friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thomas Merton, and other Christians who shared his belief that peace must be who we are, not just something we demand.

 Our world is something like a small boat. Compared with the cosmos, our planet is a very small boat. We are about to panic because our situation is no better than the situation of the small boat in the sea. . . . Humankind has become a very dangerous species. We need people who can sit still and be able to smile, who can walk peacefully. We need people like that in order to save us. Mahayana Buddhism says that you are that person. . . .When you understand, you cannot help but love. . . . To develop understanding, you have to practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion. When you understand, you love. And when you love, you naturally act in a way that can relieve the suffering of people.8

In peace, our faith is guided by the Spirit to balance our contemplation and works.

References

1	(n.d.). Jeremiah, chapter 15 - United States Conference of Catholic .... Retrieved July 29, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/15
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 59. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/59
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 11 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/11
4	(n.d.). Luke, chapter 10 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/10
5	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries .... Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
6	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture .... Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2020&date=jul29b
7	(n.d.). Saint Martha (Memorial) - The Word Among Us. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://wau.org/meditations/2020/07/29/174304/
8	(n.d.). Look with the Eyes of Compassion — Center for Action and .... Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://cac.org/look-with-the-eyes-of-compassion-2020-07-29/

Choosing the Better Part

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to consider what adjustment is needed in our position in relation to God.

Choosing the edge

The passage from the Book of Jonah describes the conversion of Nineveh in response to Jonah’s obedience to God.

* [3:9–10] Scripture frequently presents the Lord as repenting (or, changing his mind) of the evil that he threatens; e.g., Gn 6:6–7; Jer 18:8.1 

Psalm 130 is a lament concerned with waiting for Divine Redemption.

* [Psalm 130] This lament, a Penitential Psalm, is the De profundis used in liturgical prayers for the faithful departed. In deep sorrow the psalmist cries to God (Ps 130:1–2), asking for mercy (Ps 130:3–4). The psalmist’s trust (Ps 130:5–6) becomes a model for the people (Ps 130:7–8).2 

The episode from the Gospel of Luke is Jesus visiting Martha and Mary.

* [10:38–42] The story of Martha and Mary further illustrates the importance of hearing the words of the teacher and the concern with women in Luke.3 

Joan Blandin Howard comments that this parable is not so much about Martha as it is about the intimacy of the relationship between Mary and Jesus and about our relationship with Jesus. We are not privy to Mary’s desires. We are invited into Jesus’ invitation to move beyond our comfort zone. To move out. To come closer.

The Good news:  Our Father and Jesus will always be present – unconditionally loving, encouraging us to step beyond ourselves – follow God’s invitations. To grow. To become.    If at times we instead entertain the not-of-God temptations, God will always unconditionally, lovingly and lavishly embrace our return with forgiving hugs, kisses and a fatted calf!  We are loved beyond measure. Not to worry.4

Don Schwager quotes “The Body of Christ needs hearers and doers of the Word,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"'Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred even to the very works, as it is written: 'Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.' So let us also strive to have what no one can take away from us, so that not careless but diligent hearing may be granted to us. For even the seeds of the heavenly Word itself are likely to be taken away if they are sowed by the wayside (Luke 8:5,12). Let the desire for wisdom lead you as it did Mary. It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge of the heavenly Word... Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving, but Mary is preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And therefore the wiser chooses what she perceives as foremost." (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.83-86)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Jonah 3:1-10 notes that at every Mass, we pray, “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.” Not because God wants us to constantly feel guilty for our sins, but because he loves to heal and forgive and restore. So whether you consider yourself among the “wicked” or the “only slightly misguided,” today is a good day to take the example of the people of Nineveh and turn back to God.

This is the kind of God we have—a God who loves to create and nurture, not to rage or destroy. This is the kind of God who loves you. He gives you opportunity after opportunity to turn from evil and turn back to him. He ceaselessly calls you to put aside anything that you know isn’t his way and to take hold of the life he extends to you. Maybe that means asking forgiveness of someone you’ve hurt. Or speaking loving words to your family rather than harsh ones. Or choosing honesty in your workplace instead of deception. Or giving your time to listen to another person instead of ignoring them.6 

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the rapid conversion of Nineveh that followed Jonah’s preaching. What does the text say about the relationship between action and contemplation? Friar Jude urges us to be present to family and guests in the midst of the work of hospitality.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that Francis and Clare of Assisi were not so much prophets by what they said as by the radical, system-critiquing way that they lived their lives. They found both their inner and outer freedom by structurally living on the edge of the inside of both church and society.

Francis and Clare placed themselves outside the system of not just social production and consumption, but ecclesiastical too! Francis was not a priest, nor were Franciscan men originally priests. Theirs was not a spirituality of earning or seeking worthiness, career, church status, or divine favor (which they knew they already had). They represented in their own unique way the old tradition of “holy fools” among the desert fathers and mothers and the Eastern Church, and offered that notion to the very organized and “efficient” Western Church.7

Our daily routine may divert our focus from being present to others who may be bringing Christ to us. A discipline modeled by Francis and Clare may help us to perceive our situation better from the edge.

References

1	(n.d.). Jonah, chapter 3 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved October 8, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/jonah/3
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 130 - United States Conference of Catholic .... Retrieved October 8, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/130
3	(n.d.). Luke, chapter 10 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved October 8, 2019, from http://usccb.org/bible/luke/10/
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved October 8, 2019, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 8, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). 27th Week in Ordinary Time - Mass Readings and Catholic .... Retrieved October 8, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/10/08/
7	(2019, October 8). Inner and Outer Freedom - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 8, 2019, from https://cac.org/inner-and-outer-freedom-2019-10-08/